Alzheimer’s is a complicated and overwhelming disease.
Over time, the disease can change a loved one into a seemingly different person. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is a challenging task. If you’re a caregiver, it’s important to be well educated about the disease and to ask for help and information whenever necessary. The disease manifests differently in different people, so it is important to be attentive to the symptoms and behaviors your elderly loved one exhibits. This will help you find the best possible way to create a positive and caring living environment.
If housing becomes an issue, an elder law attorney from Crider Law Group can help you explore all your options, and can create the best plan for you and your loved one. Below are some tips for caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.
1. Create a Safe Environment for your loved one with Alzheimer’s
During the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, your loved one may be able to continue living on their own. Even then, it’s important to keep a very close watch on them and be aware of when that begins to change. As Alzheimer’s progresses, you should take precautions around the home to keep your loved one safe from falls. You may need to remove obstacles around the home and install ramps to make it easier for the elderly person to get around. You may also want to install locks on substances like alcohol and things like guns that can be dangerous to your loved one. Think about fire safety as well. Hot water is another potential danger. As Alzheimer’s progresses, you may need to lower the thermostat so that the water cannot get as hot and potentially burn the senior.
2. Keep Frustration to a Minimum
When your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, this is often coupled with a lot of frustration. A person with Alzheimer’s disease can experience frustration with forgetting to do things they were once able to do. They experience frustration because they struggle to follow and understand tasks and communication. Frustration can also come from loss of independence. It is important to recognize these frustrations and take steps to reduce the frustration. Provide your loved one with choices whenever possible. Allow your loved one to help with tasks they are capable of, even if it takes them longer that it may take you, or longer than they were able to do it before their diagnosis. Make directions and requests simple. When your loved one needs to focus, eliminate distractions. Create a calm environment. Be patient with your loved one and take time to allow them to do tasks.
3. Work at Communication with your loved one with Alzheimer’s
Communication often becomes difficult when an elderly loved one has Alzheimer’s disease. This is an area that takes patience. When communicating with your loved one, they may get discouraged if they can’t understand you or you can’t understand them. Always maintain eye contact with your loved one when communicating. Keep communication simple and to the point, but positive. When your loved one is attempting to communicate with you, be sure to allow them to talk. Be careful not to interrupt or try to complete their sentences. This can add more frustration. Keep conversations going with your loved one as long as possible by encouraging them and truly listening to concerns. Use physical touch, such as holding a hand or touching a shoulder, to communicate with your loved one. Don’t take outbursts personally. The illness causes you loved one to do and say things they may not normally do or say. Always be aware of your tone and keep it kind.
Alzheimer’s is a disease with many varying characteristics. It can wreak havoc on the person our loved one once was. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be frustrating and difficult. However, patience is the overarching quality that a caregiver must possess to deal with an elderly person with Alzheimer’s disease in a loving and positive manner.
Crider Law Group can help take the guesswork out of planning for Alzheimer’s and dementia. Contact us now if you’d like to get started.
