Tips for Making Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Easier

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Taking care of an aging loved one living with Alzheimer’s presents several challenges. However, there are many things family caregivers can do to make the task a little easier. 

 

Educate Yourself

Make a point of learning all you can about Alzheimer’s and how the disease progresses. This way, there will be fewer surprises along the way. Prior to becoming immersed in caregiving duties, you should also learn caregiving skills and techniques. Keep learning along the way to enhance skills and gain knowledge about possible treatment options.

One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide elder care. Turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.

 

Accept Help

There are many ways other family members, friends, and professional in-home caregivers are able to offer welcome assistance. Allow others to help with household chores, meal preparation, or running errands. You need a network of people willing to step in should you become ill, have an emergency, or need time off. 

If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Livingston families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

 

Establish Routines

Routines minimize the confusion and stress seniors with Alzheimer’s experience. Try to schedule meals, personal hygiene needs, waking up, and going to bed at the same times each day. However, this doesn’t mean you and your loved one can’t enjoy an occasional outing or go for a walk if desired. 

 

Minimize Distractions

Noisy households filled with people tend to initiate agitation and confusion in seniors with Alzheimer’s. At mealtimes, keep noise levels to a minimum so you can converse with your loved one. At family gatherings and public functions, ensure there’s a quiet place for your loved one to alleviate stress if needed.

 

Offer Choices

Rather than dictating activities and events, allow your loved one to make choices. Let your loved one choose between a couple of outfits to wear, provide a choice between more than one meal option, and let him or her decide whether to go for a walk or enjoy watching birds in the yard. This way, situations seem less frustrating while allowing your loved one to maintain a sense of dignity. 

 

Be Flexible

In the later stages of the disease process, it’s not uncommon for seniors with Alzheimer’s to refuse to eat certain foods or prefer wearing specific clothes. They might also resist bathing routines. Be flexible enough to grant your loved one’s wishes and find ways to work around behaviors rather than trying to argue the point.

 

Address Safety Issues

As the disease progresses, seniors with Alzheimer’s commonly wander at night. Install locks high on doors to prevent your loved one from venturing outside unaccompanied. Consider unplugging appliances or removing knobs to prevent accidents. 

Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors to manage without assistance, and it can be just as challenging for families who don’t have experience in providing Alzheimer’s care. Livingston Assisting Hands Home Care provides Alzheimer’s care seniors and their families can depend on. Our caregivers help seniors with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions live happier and healthier lives. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your loved one, call us today.