Tips For Daily Alzheimer's and Dementia Care

​It is not easy or convenient to take care of a person with Alzheimer's or dementia. It requires a great deal of patience and a flexible schedule. Hiring a home healthcare worker is often part of the solution. Still, whether you seek outside help or choose to take on the task yourself, there are certain things that you should know to make the process easier.
 
When choosing to care for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia, know that your role will change, and the difficulties associated with it will increase as the disease progresses. Here is some advice on how to manage these responsibilities as effectively as possible. 

1. Involve the sufferer in as many scheduled daily activities as you possibly can, and offer the least amount of assistance as they need. For example, if they can dress themselves, let them get dressed. If they need your help by laying out their clothes, limit your involvement to just that part of the activity. 
2. Proper scheduling of daily activities and establishing a daily routine is essential, but don't forget to allow some flexibility in the schedule for random or spontaneous items. Make sure to schedule the most challenging issues, such as bathing, for times during the day when the person is most likely to be alert and able to participate.
3. Remember that as the disease worsens, each task may take longer than it previously had. A person with Alzheimer's or dementia may become more agitated as daily items that they once accomplished with ease become more difficult for them. Keep this in mind and adjust your schedule accordingly. Allow time for breaks in the middle of these tasks, and don't forget to take care of yourself in the process.
4. Keep it limited, but don't forget to provide choices during the day. Perhaps ask what they would like to wear today, but offer only a small selection. Would you like to go for a walk or maybe watch your favorite TV show? If it's nice outside, give them the choice of sitting inside or out. The more options they feel they are choosing on their own, the less agitated they may become.
5. It may be tempting to allow someone who has Alzheimer's or dementia to take long or frequent naps during the day. However, this can negatively affect the person by altering their sleeping habits and can cause the person to confuse daytime and night.

Remember to keep it simple. Make sure that instructions are clear and straightforward. Tasks with multiple steps conveyed all at once .

For Safety Tips and Checklist for your home, visit this page.

If you or a loved one are considering Home Care for a Dementia or Alzheimer's sufferer, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

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