Alzheimer’s is a disorder of the brain that slowly destroys memory and thinking abilities, along with the ability to perform the simplest activities of one’s daily routine.
Aging might slow down the ability to perform certain tasks. But Alzheimer’s makes it impossible to perform the basic tasks for daily living, along with affecting its victims with poor memory.
Delivering care for an elderly with Alzheimer’s can be exhausting and overwhelming. Even though caring for the elderly gives an emotional reward, it can sometimes be challenging to make someone remember you daily.
Alzheimer’s usually begins with partial memory loss, which at first seems like a result of aging, but it eventually turns into an inability to perform tasks for daily living.
Yes, a caregiver can notice some common symptoms, such as memory loss, difficulty in completing simple tasks, difficulty in making decisions or planning things out, etc., in the elderly.
There is no scientific way to prevent Alzheimer’s, but certain lifestyle choices such as physical activities or diet care help to avoid it.
Patience is the virtue one would need to help an elderly with Alzheimer’s because they might forget their caregivers daily require assistance in basic tasks like eating or drinking water, etc.
Alzheimer’s patients require adequate attention as they are in a stage where they can’t think about their good or bad. They also aren’t aware of the things that you have taught them a while earlier.
Don’t stress too much.
Talk about it.
Safety always comes first.
Ask and accept help.
Stress and high chances of caregiver burnout
A sense of loneliness and isolation
Exhaustion
There are days when the patient would forget about you and might even forget your name.
The patient might need assistance in tasks as simple as drinking water.
There are times when you will feel overloaded and exhausted.
The caregiver is most likely to feel overwhelmed and exhausted at the same time.
They might experience stress and anxiety.
In some cases, there is a risk of depression and loneliness as well.
Help them whenever you can.
Assure them that they’re not alone in this.
Allow them to take some breaks.
Listen to what they have to say.
Try to take some pictures with them, which you can use later to make them recognize you.
Observe how they behave when they recognize you and try to use it.
Allow them to take some breaks.
Even if they don’t recognize you, be patient and introduce yourself again to make them comfortable.
Create a calm environment
Try to avoid emotional triggers
Keep the daily tasks and routines simple and safe
Bake or cook simple recipes with them
Encourage them to do some arts and crafts
Read, maybe the old books they don’t remember reading
Make them watch their family videos
Have confidence in your caregiving
Make sure you know your limitations
Don’t forget that self-care is equally important
Yes, it is okay to have a day to yourself. Self-care is equally important, too. But inform your client and your agency before taking the day off.
Allow them a specific number of leaves to relax.
Arrange get-togethers for all the caregivers.
Encourage the caregivers to join a support group.
Choose your words and gestures properly; instead of texting or emailing them, try to call or visit them.
Pay attention to them if they have something to tell you.
Make sure they are never overloaded with the work you assign.
Help them remember names and other things.
Assist them in doing activities like planning and organizing.
Build a communication network with them.
Denial.
Fear.
Stress/Anxiety.
Frustration.
Create a daily routine.
Encourage them to do some physical activities.
Prepare balanced diet meals.
Working with an Alzheimer’s patient might test your patience. But seeing them happy and comfortable with your care is an emotional reward no other job would provide.
Remember, self-care is important too.
Socialize whenever you get a chance.
Take a break in between if needed.
Ask and accept help whenever you need to get it.
Try to plan the day in advance.
Yes, people with Alzheimer’s require special care and attention from caregivers. They usually forget things and hence need additional assistance.
In most situations, yes, it is. The early symptoms of Alzheimer’s include memory loss, difficulty in performing daily tasks, poor vision, and difficulty in making decisions.
It is better to provide care to the elderly and inform the family about the situation so that adequate medication can be started.
Alzheimer’s isn’t a curable disease, but medication could help a little in improving the overall condition.
Schedule wisely for the daily routine
It’s okay to take a break. Take your time
Give simple instructions
Avoid too many distractions
Use locks on cabinets containing alcohol, guns, medicines, etc.
Avoid stuff that can result in falls (extension cords, scattered rugs, etc.)
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