Providing at-home care to a person with Alzheimer’s disease can be demanding and intimidating. Each day presents new challenges as the caregiver adjusts to the patient’s shifting competence levels and behavioral tendencies.
One of the biggest challenges a caregiver faces is managing the problematic behaviors of their Alzheimer’s patient. Daily tasks like eating, bathing, and dressing may become challenging for them and their patients. Caregivers can address these challenges more efficiently if they have a strategy for getting through the day.
Here are some helpful tips that can assist caregivers in planning their caregiving routines and providing the best care to their loved ones with Alzheimer’s.
1. How to get more information about Alzheimer’s and caregiving?
The first step to providing the best care to your loved one is to get maximal knowledge of the disease. When you know how it might affect your loved one and what behavioral changes you can expect, it becomes easier to deal with the daily caregiver challenges. The following tips can assist you in this regard.
- If you have any inquiries about Alzheimer’s disease, ask the doctor. Learn more about the treatments that may be most effective for symptom relief or for dealing with behavioral issues.
- Contact groups like the Alzheimer’s Research Association and the Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center for more information about Alzheimer’s disease, treatment choices, and caregiver tips and services. Some community organizations might provide seminars to teach caregivers problem-solving, management, and caregiving skills.
- Support groups might be helpful for caregivers of dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. Look for a group where you may talk to other caregivers about your worries and emotions. The group members will offer practical suggestions, knowledge about beneficial sources, and personal experience. These online support groups allow caregivers to receive assistance without leaving their homes.
2. How to plan your routine?
Examine your day to see if you can create a routine to help things flow more smoothly. Plan your daily activities so that you may take advantage of any time of the day when your patient is more cooperative or less confused. Keep in mind that a person’s behavior and attitude can change from day to day. As a result, make an effort to be flexible and modify your schedule as necessary.
3. How to reduce frustrations?
When formerly simple chores become complex, a person with dementia may become agitated. To limit difficulties and reduce frustration, consider the following tips.
- Plan carefully. Creating a daily routine can assist in organizing everyday activities and duties. Some actions, such as showering or going to the doctor, are more convenient when the patient is awake and conscious. Remember to be adaptable, especially while dealing with challenging days.
- Involve the individual. Allow your patient to complete as many things independently or with as little support as feasible.
- Provide your patient with some (but not too many) choices. For example, you may present them with two costumes from which to choose or give a choice during meals.
- Since Alzheimer’s patients more easily comprehend concise, one-step communication, give them simple instructions.
- Limit naps and eliminate distractions. To avoid frustration, avoid long or multiple naps during the day. Similarly, reducing distractions, such as turning off the TV during breakfast or conversation, can make it easier for the patient to focus.
4.How to create a safer environment?
Since Alzheimer’s impairs judgment and problem-solving skills, it is critical to make the environment safer for your patient to prevent any chance of injury. The following caregiver tips can help you enhance safety.
- Install locks on cabinets containing anything harmful or dangerous, such as weapons, medicine, alcohol, toxic cleaning chemicals, dangerous tools, and so on.
- Avoid or eliminate anything that could cause a fall, such as extension cords, scatter rugs, or other clutter. Installing grab bars or railings in critical areas might also be beneficial.
- To avoid any risky situations, take fire safety precautions. Keep the lighters and matches out of your patient’s reach and supervise them if they smoke. Ensure that the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have functioning batteries and that a fire extinguisher is within easy reach.
- Always keep the water temperature in check and reduce the temperature of the water heater to avoid burns.
Alzheimer’s Research Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. We provide the latest information and news about the illness and helpful tips to help caregivers cope with their daily caregiving challenges. We realize the most important thing that a caregiver needs is financial assistance. Therefore, we provide grants to caregivers to ease their financial burden. Caregivers can apply for grants here: Alzheimers Grant Appilcation.
You can also help caregivers in their endeavor by donating as much as possible: Donation To Alzheimer’s Research Associations.
