Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people across the world, especially older adults. This disease slowly destroys a person’s brain cells and consequently affects their behaviors, thoughts, and memory. If you’re looking after a loved one with this disease, you must have realized by now that it isn’t an easy feat because it’s a long, emotional, and taxing journey.
However, you shouldn’t give up because your loved one’s quality of life would suffer considerably without your help. This is crucial despite it being sometimes disheartening and overwhelming for your well-being.
Here are some tips to help you care for a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease:
1. Take Time To Learn About Alzheimer’s
An important thing you need to do when looking after a loved one with Alzheimer’s is to familiarize yourself with this disease. Doing this isn’t only recommended for new caregivers but also for the professional ones who work at senior healthcare. There are various ways you can learn more about this disease, including:
- Read various research to see whether there’s any new scientific advancement in self-care and treatment.
- Consult a doctor to guide you on correctly keeping a record of the mood, memory, and behavior of your loved one.
- Attend workshops and classes given by nonprofit organizations or any other groups.
When learning more about Alzheimer’s, you’ll get to understand better the symptoms of Alzheimer’s across the three different stages, and these are:
Mild: Patients at this stage are usually independent and can partake in social and professional undertakings. However, they may have difficulty remembering recent events or concentrating and have trouble with problem-solving and writing.
Moderate: Alzheimer’s disease has progressed further, leading to serious physical symptoms, confusion, and memory loss. Other evident symptoms that’ll be apparent include personality changes, hard time following instructions, getting lost, and difficulty in performing routine duties such as wearing clothes.
Severe: Patients in this stage will need help from the caregiver in almost every routine task such as eating, sitting up, and walking. They also lose awareness of the environment, can’t engage in a normal conversation, and lose the memory of their family members.
2. Come Up With A Daily Routine
Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease feel at ease while in a familiar home environment and when they follow a routine. Therefore, you should come up with a daily routine, be it a time of waking up, bathing or eating as this will help them remain focused and be more comfortable throughout the day.
Make sure first to examine their routine and check for any discernable behavior and patterns. Understanding this will be vital in helping you create a plan that best suits your loved one’s needs and expectations.
For instance, if your loved one typically enjoys lazing around in the morning, you should plan your schedule such that it suits their behavior.
Once you’ve identified the patient’s preferred routine, try your best not to constantly change it because it might confuse them. With that said, you still need to be flexible because sometimes, their needs tend to fluctuate.
3. Create A Safe Environment
A person with Alzheimer’s disease usually suffers from reduced problem-solving skills and impaired judgment. As a result, they’re more prone to injuries. That’s why as the caregiver, you need to implement proper safety p3rotocols to enhance their safety such as:
Implement fire safety precautions: You should constantly monitor the person with Alzheimer’s if they occasionally smoke. Ensure the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working as well. Also, see to it that they’re safely storing lighters and matches.
Use of locks: Place anything that might cause potential danger to your loved one with Alzheimer’s locked in a cabinet. This includes items such as toxic cleaning substances, guns, alcohol, dangerous tools, utensils, and cleaning substances, among others.
Prevent falls: Ensure that all the rooms in your home don’t have any extension cords or rugs placed recklessly as this might lead to falls. In addition, ensure that you install grab bars and handrails on areas with a high likelihood of tripping.
Inspect water temperature: The best way to avoid any burns to your loved one is by reducing the temperatures of the thermostat.
In addition, ensure proper light balance at night by using lamps that produce warm light and allow easy penetration of light into the home during the daytime.
4. Manage Eating Challenges
Eating and drinking for persons with Alzheimer’s disease aren’t easy. This means they can end up suffering from weight loss and dehydration if left unobserved. Luckily, you can address this problem by implementing simple measures such as:
- Eat together as this boosts their interest in eating.
- Reduce noise by removing distractions or switching off the TV or audio to help your loved one with Alzheimer’s to focus.
- Be patient when communicating with your loved one as they might sometimes refuse to eat. When this happens, you shouldn’t yell at them because this only shocks them and causes their cognitive ability to fail even further.
- Encourage your loved one to use multivitamins.
- Feed them easily chewable food.
- Create a specific routine when you serve your loved one.
- Use colorful plates when serving the Alzheimer’s patient.
Takeaway
Looking after an elderly loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease is no doubt a difficult task. This is further worsened because the patient’s condition typically keeps getting worse with each passing day, meaning you’ll have more duties in your hands to handle.
Knowing how challenging this can get, detailed in this guide are valuable insights on how to best look after a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s. This is crucial for the patient’s well-being and for yours as the caretaker to avoid suffering exhaustion, anxiety, or loneliness.
FAQs
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain, primarily causing memory loss and cognitive decline. It is the most common form of dementia, a group of conditions characterized by a decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills.
How can I care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s?
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can be challenging but rewarding. Here are a few essential tips:
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Educate yourself: Learn about the disease, its progression, and the best practices for caregiving. Understanding the symptoms, behaviors, and challenges associated with Alzheimer’s will help you provide better care.
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Establish a routine: Creating a predictable routine can help individuals with Alzheimer’s feel more secure and reduce confusion or agitation. Stick to regular schedules for meals, medication, and daily activities.
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Maintain a safe environment: Ensure that the living space is free from hazards, such as loose rugs or sharp objects. Install handrails, grab bars, and adequate lighting to minimize the risk of falls. Consider using locks or alarms on doors and windows to prevent wandering.
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Foster clear communication: Use simple, concise sentences and speak slowly. Maintain eye contact and provide visual cues or gestures to enhance understanding. Be patient and allow extra time for the person to respond or complete tasks.
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Seek support: Caregiving can be emotionally and physically demanding. Reach out for support from family, friends, or support groups specifically for Alzheimer’s caregivers. Consider professional help, such as in-home care or respite care services, to provide temporary relief and ensure your own well-being.
How can I manage challenging behaviors?
Behavioral changes, such as agitation, aggression, or wandering, are common in individuals with Alzheimer’s. Here are a few strategies to help manage these behaviors:
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Identify triggers: Pay attention to what may be causing the behavior and try to address or avoid those triggers. It could be a change in routine, discomfort, or sensory overload.
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Maintain a calm environment: Create a soothing atmosphere by reducing noise, clutter, and excessive stimuli. Play soft music or engage in activities that the person enjoys to promote relaxation.
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Redirect and distract: If the person becomes agitated or confused, redirect their attention to a different activity or topic. Offer a favorite object or engage in a calming conversation to divert their focus.
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Practice patience and empathy: Remember that the person’s behaviors are a result of the disease and not intentional. Respond with understanding, reassurance, and a calm demeanor.
How can I support their cognitive function?
While Alzheimer’s disease leads to cognitive decline, there are ways to support cognitive function and promote mental stimulation:
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Engage in memory-enhancing activities: Encourage activities that exercise memory, such as puzzles, memory games, or reminiscing about past experiences. Maintain a memory board or a journal to help the person recall important information.
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Provide opportunities for social interaction: Socialization can be beneficial for individuals with Alzheimer’s. Encourage visits from family and friends, participation in support groups, or enrollment in Alzheimer’s day programs that offer social engagement and cognitive stimulation.
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Simplify tasks: Break down tasks into manageable steps and provide clear instructions. Use visual aids, such as written lists or picture schedules, to assist in understanding and completing activities.
How can I take care of myself as a caregiver?
Self-care is crucial when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. Here are a few self-care strategies:
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Seek support: Reach out to support groups or counseling services to share your experiences and emotions with others who understand. Consider respite care to take breaks and recharge.
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Prioritize your well-being: Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation.