February 24, 1999
FAMILY MATTERS:
Three generations live under one roof
___
My father has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and we are planning to move him into our home. I am concerned for my dad as well as my two boys and my husband. I want to be sensitive to each individual's needs. Can you offer some suggestions?
___How wise you are to realize this is a transition for the entire family. Certainly the first suggestion I would make is for you and your husband to spend time in prayer as a couple. Seek God's wisdom and guidance in your preparation for the change.
KAY TOWERS
Preschool Consultant
Killeen
___Talk with your boys and explain granddaddy is going to come to live with you because he needs to be where there are people who love him and want to help take care of him.
___Depending on your sons' ages, share with them as much about the disease as they are able to understand. Give them examples of symptoms they might observe in your dad's behavior. Tell them they won't always understand what he does or what he says. There might be times when he can't remember things, not even their names. Explain this is part of the sickness and not anything they have done.
___Excellent children's books are available that you can read with your sons about children with relatives who are suffering with Alzheimer's. Go to your library or bookstore and ask for a list of children's books on the subject. Often when children can read about what they are experiencing or identify with a character in a book, they can better adjust to the situation. Search the Internet for other valuable resources.
___Remember to encourage communication. Allow the children to ask questions. Pray with them for your father and for those who will care for his medical needs. Thank God for your father, thus modeling this kind of prayer for your sons. Explain to them the Bible says we are to honor our fathers and mothers. Talk about what that means. Let them know this is how God wants you to honor your father.
___Explain that your father's presence will demand a great deal of your time. Still, there will be many positive experiences the family will have as a result of this opportunity. Make a list of things the boys can do with their granddaddy or the family can do together. While this will be a time of adjustment, it also will be tremendous teaching time. Don't miss the blessings God has in store for you and your family.
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