In many cases, when someone is diagnosed with a serious disease like Alzheimer’s, those closest to them may decide to care for them at home personally. It may not always be possible. There are certainly some good care facilities to help in extreme situations. Please understand that as fine as they may be in these facilities, they can not maintain or help revisit a person’s memories.
The kind of care given by someone who loves the person can be high-quality care compared to any Alzheimer’s care facility. Care that adds to the patient’s dignity, comfort, and overall feeling of security. With the daily interaction of a loved one as a caregiver, their connection to memories and self can survive longer.
They can stay connected to their memories longer and still feel comfort and a sense of well-being. Sharing part of a memory they remember and filling in the missing pieces makes them feel connected. It makes them worry less and fear less. They think they are where they belong and safe.
Choosing to be a caregiver is not easy, especially with Alzheimer’s disease. It will require good communication amongst everyone involved. You will need planning, extra help, and an awareness of what is available to you in community services.
In the case of individuals who have Alzheimer’s, some basic approaches can help. You want to ensure that the quality of their lives is preserved to the best extent possible. Alzheimer’s can progress at different rates. It may be that your loved one has many good months or even years ahead. It is good to plan to make the most of these times.
Arrange to participate in activities that have always been of interest to them whenever possible. Do they enjoy going for walks in the park? Going to Museums, or on a picnic? Some people find sitting near the water restful and rejuvenating. Others like to be where there is a little bit of socializing and action going on, like at a mall or a local fair.
Arranging activities that have always been a source of pleasure will help to keep your loved one involved. Or perhaps family visits and meals. It may help stimulate, to some degree, their mental abilities. At the very least, it will contribute to their sense of self-esteem and dignity and contribute to their overall health.
With the progression of Alzheimer’s comes the increasing difficulty to express clearly one’s thoughts and desires. The caregiver will need to take a calm and patient approach while keeping their tone light. Using shorter sentences that perhaps contain a straightforward idea at a time will lessen the possibility of added confusion. Give thoughtful, kind eye contact and allow sufficient time to complete their thoughts.
Another area to give attention to is providing a home environment that will ensure the safety of someone who may at times be unaware of specific hazards. It may mean locking securely certain substances such as cleaning solutions, painting products, or any chemicals that would be harmful if ingested.
It would be good to find a system of monitoring any medication that the person may need to take. Just in case they have a bad day and forget their prescribed dose. Not just counting the pills or assuming took them. You may need to watch and make sure medications are taken and not hidden or thrown out. Ask their doctor what to do if a dose is missed, with each prescription, so you know ahead of time.
The home may need to be prepared to allow for protected movement. For example, staircases may require a small gate to prevent falling. Area rugs may need to be taped down to avoid slipping. Furniture may need to be moved or removed to allow greater freedom of movement. Additional space if a wheelchair is necessary at some point.
It is good to install solid grab bars in the washroom. It may be advisable to install a shower chair. Perhaps, a tub with a small door instead of stepping over the side. It will help eliminate some of the chances of your loved one falling and seriously hurting themselves.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s will be a challenge. Caring for the person you love as they go through this challenging time is life-changing for the caregiver too. Providing your loved one a measure of dignity and a sense of security is something that has its profound rewards.
The best way to care for Alzheimer’s patients is definitely could be accomplished by the family members, as they have only the best interests in their hearts and patients also would feel safest with their family. Though caring for such patients is not easy but with love and compassion, anything can be accomplished.