Tips For Taking Care For Those With Alzheimer’s
Being a caregiver for somebody with Alzheimer’s or Dementia is a unique challenge. You understand that as the disease progresses, your loved one’s ability to manage daily tasks on their own will degrade, and they may become confused or frustrated more easily. Being a caretaker on top of managing your own life can be difficult at times, but these tips will help make daily tasks much more manageable while helping your loved one maintain a sense of independence.
Reducing frustration is critical. It is common for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s to become agitated more easily as tasks that were at one time simple become challenging. To help ease this:
- Establish a schedule. Creating structure and a schedule for each day can go a long way towards reducing stress. Those with Alzheimer’s or dementia can still learn adapt to a routine. Try to schedule things like bathing or doctor’s appointments for when your loved one is most alert and refreshed during the day. And always allow for some flexibility for spontaneous activity.
- Set reasonable timetables. As people slow down, things inevitably take longer than they once did. Give your loved one a break to rest when they need it and create your schedule with these needs in mind so you aren’t hurried or rushed throughout the day.
- Keep them involved. In order to help your loved one retain a feeling of independence, allow them to do anything they can with minimal assistance. For instance, if your loved one is still able to dress themselves if you lay their clothes out for them, you should encourage that behavior.
- Don’t take their choices away. It is true that fewer options are betterthan having too many when it comes to people suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia, but they should still get to make decisions for themselves each day. For example, give them a choice of what they want to drink or eat, or give them options for their outfits each day.
As Alzheimer’s and dementia begins to worsen, it becomes more important to create a safe environment for your loved one.
To promote safety:
- Avoid things that are easily tripped on, like rugs with tassels or extension cords. Instead, consider installing things like handrails or grab bars in potentially hazardous areas.
- Keep potentially hazardous things like chemicals, medicine, firearms, or dangerous utensils locked away and out of reach.
- Lower the maximum temperature on your water to prevent potential burns while your loved one bathes or washes their hands.
Each person is different, and every case of Alzheimer’s or dementia progresses differently. For this reason, the care your loved one will require is unique. Caregiving has the potential to be a full-time job in itself, and if you’re looking for the absolute best in senior care, Encore at Avalon Park is here to help. For more information about our community or to schedule a tour, call us today at 407-270-7500.
