How to Care for Seniors with Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s makes people lose their cognitive, mental and physical abilities over a period of years. The disease has no cure. Caring for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease can be stressful and challenging. Your attention and patience can make a big difference in their lives. That’s why you should be calm and give your best to make them feel loved, looked after and special, even if they keep forgetting how you take care of them. However, be sure not to neglect your own health, as many caregivers experience anxiety, stress and depression. This blog post will walk you through how you can care for them without compromising your own health.

Image Source – https://bit.ly/32s2VWx

5 Essential Caregiver Tips for Seniors with Alzheimer’s

1. Prepare a schedule

Seniors with Alzheimer’s are likely to become frustrated due to memory loss. That’s why planning a schedule beforehand can come in handy. This list should outline all their activities at specific times, with room for flexibility. Keep reading to find out the key elements of a caregiver’s daily care checklist to ensure you don’t miss out on anything.

• Grooming

Grooming is an important part of everyone’s well-being. For instance, if a male patient is facing a tough time brushing his teeth, show him how, step by step. You may want to brush yours at the same time to demonstrate. On the other hand, encourage a female patient who wants to wear makeup by lending a helping hand. Make sure they don’t hurt themselves in the process.

• Bathing

As a caregiver, you have to bathe them using a hand-held shower and stool to prevent them from falling. If they have difficulty showering, try sponge baths. However, do not forget to give them privacy by putting a towel over their laps. Make sure you clean under the towel with a sponge. If they get anxious, play soothing music while talking to them.

• Dressing

Let them dress on their own but offer help if needed. Lay out their clothes in order and give them one piece at a time. Ensure that their garments are loose and comfortable so they can slip into them without much effort. Also, if they want to dress in the same clothes that they wore the previous day, avoid an argument by keeping two to three sets of similar outfits.

• Eating

Keep meals simple but don’t serve bland foods. Let them eat whatever they can digest based on their physical condition, and serve one food at a time to avoid confusing them. Also, remind them to chew and swallow, not gulp. Be patient and turn off the TV or radio to prevent distraction.

• Other Activities

Apart from these daily activities, ensure they try others that require their participation. That might mean daily chores like laundry, cooking or walking, as well as word games or solving puzzles. These can boost their self-esteem and increase their confidence. Take note of what actions frustrate them and don’t encourage these in the future.

2. Create a good in-home environment 

Though a home is the preferred place to care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, there are retirement and care residences that can ensure an equally good quality of life. As their care giver, it is up to you to regulate the temperature inside the house and make sure it contains all the necessities of life, including ready access to water.

3. Control their distractions 

Alzheimer’s patients are easily distracted by the slightest movement or television sound. That’s why you should try to control any potential distractions and instruct them to complete the task they have in hand. In this way, they improve their cognitive skills and gain confidence.

4. Provide clear instructions 

Whenever you are asking them to do an activity, provide clear, simple instructions. Do not confuse them with too much information; instead, give them one direction at a time. Be calm when doing so,even if they ask you the same question repeatedly.

5. Allow them to choose

Just because you are taking care of an Alzheimer’s patient doesn’t mean you control their life. Instead, respect their individuality and let them choose what they want to eat, drink or wear. By doing so, you will help them renew their confidence.
These are some crucial tips to follow when caring for Alzheimer’s patients. In this way, you can ensure they feel loved and cared for which is vital for people suffering mental health challenges. But do not forget to strike a balance in your care giving journey to lead a balanced and healthy life. After all, your health is equally important.