Ageing parents that are not coping with life

Hi kazsarge, you know what you said about not wanting to go back to that place again - well, I once heard that no-one ever goes back to exactly that same darkly emotional place again because since having that experience they have lived a little longer and usually learnt a whole heap more.  I'm sure that since being there you've developed coping strategies which have helped you so far and there's no reason why you can't learn some more coping strategies.  If what you're doing isn't helping then remember it's not YOU, it's not YOUR PARENTS it's the strategy that's wrong and endeavour to change the strategy and find one that does help.

Hi, I can totally understand the very stressful situation that you are in. I would like to offer some advice as to how your parents' situation could be helped.

Vascular dementia can have different effects on people who are affected with it. Unlike Alzheimer's Disease it is not the memory impairment that is the most prodominant feature. Changes in mood, personality, behaviour, judgement, insight are some of the areas that are often involved. In fact these patients can be very apathetic, withdrawn and emotionally labile mimicking severe depression. Anti-depressant medications of SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) class are very effective in improving their mood and behaviour. Examples include Escitalopram, Cytalopram, Mirtazepine and sertraline. As the anti-depressants take a few weeks to take effects, sometimes the patients are given some anti-psychotic therapy as bridging specially if they experience psychoses such as delusions, hallucinations.

Other than the medical therapy, social and psychological support for the affected patient and the family members play a key role in the management. It is advisable to make a referral through 'My Aged Care' for assessment in view of accessing services, allied health support such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietician as well as social interactions, respite/ in-home flexible respite and residential care for future that are government subsidised. The referral can be made either online or by a phone call by anyone including; patient, family, friends and healthcare practitioners. Ther referrals could be made for both your parents.

Other useful resources include; dementia Australia and DBMAS (Dementia Behaviour Management Avisory Service) which is a national free service funded by the Australian Government. These resources can provide a world of assistance including; counselling, carer support, family/carer education etc. There is a National Dementia helpline as well.

Above treatment and support helps to keep our dementia patient out of hospitals and out of permanent residential care for a slong as possible.

Last but not least it is of utmost importance that you look after your own health as you are the rock in your family for your parents as well as your children. You should not feel that it is your responsibility to solve all the problems because no one human can! Get as much help as you can. You need to be able to have some time for your self asn to spen time with your children therfore it is necessary to get services, respite for your parents sometimes to facilitate that. 

I hope the above advice was helpful!