NS_AA_ZA_101217.final

22ndCenturyMedia.com Active Aging Guide
22nd century media | October 12, 2017 | 13
Ask Mary Ann: Parenting your parent with Alzheimer’s
Question: Gradually, I’m
becoming a parent for my parent.
Is it normal to feel anxious
and overwhelmed?
Mary Ann: Yes, it’s very normal
to be anxious, feel guilty and
feel overwhelmed. I, myself, have
experienced all of these emotions,
having cared for my mother, who
had dementia for many years. Often,
when finding ourselves in the
role of caregiver for a parent, we
try to suppress our negative emotions,
feeling guilty for even having
them. Even if you have a great
relationship with your mom or
dad, there may still be some unresolved
issues between you. So,
feelings of guilt are very normal,
as well. In your new role, you will
have many feelings that you will
work through, one at a time.
I found it helpful to seek support,
educate myself and share
my feelings with others in the
same situation. Doing so helped
me to process and better understand
my emotions, which, in
turn, helped me learn to accept
and cope with them.
This is a journey that will
evolve and change day to day
as the disease progresses. You
are joining your parent on this
journey, and the more you understand
it the easier it will be,
not only for yourself but for your
loved one, as well.
Please know that I am available
as a resource for you personally
and professionally, now
and/or in the future.
At Emerald Place, we offer support
groups and educational events.
You can contact me at (630) 296-
6383 or mpappone@anthemmemorycare.com
with your questions or
to receive my monthly “Ask Mary
Ann” newsletter.
Mary Ann Pappone is community
relations director for Emerald
Place Memory Care. She
spent more than 18 years caring
for her mother, who had dementia.
Submitted by Emerald Place
Memory Care. For more information,
visit www.anthemmemorycare.
com or call (630) 296-6383
NO DRUGS. NO SURGERY. NO PAIN.
APPROVED
OVER
93%
SUCCESS
RATE
Get connected to the most innovative pain treatment.
Give your knees the cushioning and relief they need. Made from a natural
substance GELSYN3 is a new FDA Approved treatment. Covered by
Medicare and most insurances.
NOW OPEN DOWNTOWN HIGHLAND PARK
Glenview, Vernon Hills,
Bloomingdale & Hinsdale
847.243.6744
www.PAINfreePAINrelief.com
NOW OPEN DOWNTOWN HIGHLAND PARK
Glenview, Vernon Hills,
Bloomingdale & Hinsdale