A caregiver, also called a caretaker, is anyone who looks after another person. Millions of people look after a friend or relative who has Alzheimer’s or an associated dementia.
Caregivers may reside close by or with the individual, or they may live far away. For many families, providing care for a loved one involves multiple individuals. They share duties and responsibilities. Looking after someone in home alzheimers care in Houston can occasionally be overwhelming.
But regardless of the type of caretaker you are. You still need to learn the right way to look after them.
Tips for Daily Care
People with early-stage Alzheimer’s and similar dementias suffer cognitive, memory, and reasoning abnormalities. These impact day-to-day activities.
People with these illnesses will eventually require more assistance with basic daily duties. This could involve dressing, grooming, and taking a shower. The person may find it distressing to want assistance with such private tasks.
- Make an effort to maintain a schedule, such as eating, dressing, and taking a shower at the same time every day.
- Assist the individual in recording events, appointments, and to-do lists in a calendar or notebook.
- Arrange enjoyable activities and make an effort to complete those at a specific time every day.
- For people who need to take their drugs regularly, think about a system or reminders.
- Give the person as much freedom as you can when dressing or bathing.
- Invest in loose-fitting, cozy, and functional apparel, such as items with large zipper pulls, fabric closures, or elastic waistbands in place of buckles, buttons, or shoelaces.
- To prevent falls and support an unsteady person, use a robust shower chair. Shower chairs are available at pharmacies and medical supply shops.
- Show kindness and deference. As you assist someone in taking a shower or getting dressed, walk them through the process step by step.
- Give the recipient sufficient time to eat and provide meals in a routine, familiar setting.
Advice on Changing Behavior and Communication
People with Alzheimer’s and kindred dementias may find it difficult to communicate because they have memory problems. Go to https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2024/06/14/is-it-alzheimers-or-normal-aging-houston-health-experts-break-down-memory-loss/ for added info.
They may also experience anxiety, agitation, and even rage. Certain types of illnesses can impair a person’s ability to talk or locate the correct words.
Even if you could feel irritated or impatient. It’s crucial to realize that the illness is the reason behind your altered communication abilities.
Assure the individual. Talk quietly. Pay attention to their worries and annoyances. If someone is scared or furious, try to convey that you understand.
- Give the individual as much autonomy as possible in their lives.
- Be mindful of the individual’s personal space.
- Include activities and calm periods throughout the day.
- To make someone special feel more comfortable. Place sentimental items and pictures throughout the house.
- If someone doesn’t recall, remind them who you are. But avoid saying, “Don’t you remember?”
- Promote a two-way dialogue as much as possible.
- If you are struggling with verbal communication, try diverting them with an activity. Such as a well-known book or photo album.
Tips on Leading an Active and Healthful Lifestyle
Everyone benefits from eating well and exercising. But those who have Alzheimer’s and other related dementias should pay particular attention to these habits.
Find strategies to help the patient maintain an active lifestyle and eat healthily. This may become more difficult as the illness worsens.
- Take into account various activities the individual can engage in to maintain an active lifestyle. Such as gardening, exercising, cooking or baking, and domestic tasks. Align the task with the senior’s abilities.
- Participate in an activity to make it more enjoyable or assist in starting it. People suffering from this illness may be uninterested, lack initiative, and struggle to initiate activities. However, they might participate if others plan.
- If music is a source of motivation, incorporate it into workouts or other tasks. If you can, move to the music.
- When determining how much work can be accomplished at once, be realistic. It might be advisable to do a few quick mini-workouts.
- Every day, go for a walk together. Caregivers also benefit from exercise!
- Purchase a range of healthful meals – find out more, but take into account items that are simple to make. This includes single portions and ready-made salads.
- Offer options for what to eat.
Advice for Patients on Home Safety
The person may be able to move around the house more freely and safely. That’s if risks are eliminated and safety elements are added.
- Be very sure that there is a handrail if you have steps. Stairs can be covered with safety grip strips and carpet. Or they can be marked with brightly colored tape to make them easier to see.
- Take into consideration installing safety locks on cabinet doors. And plugging safety plugs if there are unoccupied electrical sockets.
- Get rid of everything that isn’t being utilized, as well as little carpets. Also, electrical cords and anything else that could trip someone.
- Ensure that there is adequate lighting in every room and outdoor space the person visits.
- Take out carpets and curtains with busy designs that could be confusing to someone.
- Take out or store home and cleaning supplies like matches and paint thinner.