How To Care For Someone With Alzheimer’s Disease
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s isn’t an easy thing to do for anyone, and can often feel overwhelming. It’s important to know what to expect and how to deal with different scenarios in order to make it feel manageable. Caregivers have a tough, daily job on their hands when this disease is involved, and they need to have the right knowledge in order to deal with it. We’re going to go through some basic tips today. As always, if you require more information, study the subject further.
Understanding The Disease
Alzheimer’s is a debilitating illness of the brain, causing nerve cells to die. It’s progressive, so it usually gets worse over time, destroying cognitive abilities. Abilities such as communication and decision-making often become worse because of the illness. People with Alzheimer’s struggle to think clearly and often forget things. It leaves them confused, and they will sometimes behave in bizarre and odd fashions.
In terms of treating the disease, there are solutions available. Current treatments work to improve symptoms of memory loss and reduce issues with thinking and reasoning. Unfortunately, there aren’t any treatments that can cure the disease completely at present. There are hopes that treatment will eventually significantly delay the effects or even treat them altogether.
Having the symptoms of Alzheimer’s can be a confusing and stressful state for both the victim and the caregiver. The exact symptoms that each person shows can vary, so they may not exhibit all the common behaviours. It’s important to remember that it’s the disease causing certain changes in their behaviour, so don’t take it out on them if they act strangely.
Diagnosing The Disease
In the initial stages of Alzheimer’s, it’s important to notice if they start to show common signs. There are all sorts of tips and guides online at places like www.alzheimers.net/stages-of-alzheimers-disease/ with this information. In the majority of cases, Alzheimer’s isn’t diagnosed in patients until it has reached the fourth stage of its progression. By readying yourself with the knowledge about each stage and the way the disease develops, you’ll be prepared for what’s to come.
Obviously, as soon as you believe that someone might have the symptoms of the disease, you need to seek medical treatment. Consult the advice of a doctor as soon as possible and they’ll be able to put plans in place to help treat it. They’ll probably carry out a variety of scans to confirm it, and talk to neurologists or psychiatrists if they need further assistance. Remember; they won’t be able to treat the disease fully. However, they will be able to implement preventative measures to limit the effects.
Living Arrangements
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is a difficult job. As the disease progresses, the task becomes even more complicated. If they currently live on their own, they will be putting themselves at serious risk, especially as it develops. Think about potential ways you could improve their living arrangements to ensure their safety.
You could move them into your home, but be aware that it’s going to be a tough task ahead of you. Alternatively, you could move them into a care home providing 24/7 support instead. If they’re a little concerned about losing their home and ultimately their independence, you might have a tough job on your hands. If they’re worried about this, there are still options available. Places like http://hc-care-homes.co.uk/huddersfield-care-home/ state that patients won’t lose their independence in care. Ultimately, you need to analyse your current arrangements as well as theirs and make a decision to suit the both of you.
Understanding The Disease
As we’ve already mentioned, there are a number of personality changes caused by the onset of Alzheimer’s. One of the most prominent examples of this is the changes in communication brought about by the disease. People suffering from Alzheimer’s have trouble remembering things like they used to, so it becomes a difficult task. You’ll find that they struggle to understand what they want to say, often resulting in delayed and stuttered speech. Sometimes, they’ll lose their train of thought in the middle of a sentence, or simply forget what some words mean.
So, how can you improve communication skills for them? A big part of it is how you present yourself in front of them. Having a positive approach and inviting body language will, in turn, make them feel relaxed. Turn off all distractions as it can be difficult for someone with the disease to cope with different tasks at once. Instead of speaking overly loudly or forcefully, simply ask questions in a simple and annunciated way. You also need to keep in mind that communication is often an emotional experience for them (as well as you) when they’re struggling. Continually reassure them and suggest a different activity if they’re really not up to it right now.
Behavioural changes come about as a result of Alzheimer’s, and it can be distressing for both you and the patient. Because of their symptoms, they’ll often become agitated, stressed and depressed. They’ll make strange requests and demands in order to satisfy their needs, and it can often become irritating. Don’t let it get to you. This is the effects of the disease rather than the person themselves taking effect. Do what you can to accommodate their behaviour and ensure you stay positive and happy in front of them. By getting distressed or annoyed, their behaviour will follow suit.
In particular, agitation is a key factor of Alzheimer’s. Sometimes, they recognise that they can’t function in the way they used to. A lot of agitation is simply the result of feeling like the victim has lost control of the situation. The need to be cared for constantly isn’t a pleasant one, so do what you can to make them feel like they have independence. Reassure them that you understand their worries and try and cheer them up as often as you can. It also helps to have a calm and peaceful environment as much as possible. By eliminating noise and conflicting behaviours, they will naturally be calmer as a result.
Another common symptom of the disease is that patients will often go wandering. There are loads of reasons why they might do this, such as basic needs and boredom. If you’re concerned that they might end up leaving the house, consider changing the locks on the doors. You could even put up basic signs to warn them that they shouldn’t go past that door. You might want to equip their clothing with a GPS tracker or at least some ID to help others identify them. Also, ensure at least one of your neighbors has your phone number and knowledge of the situation in case it happens.
There are many more symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and you’ll need to study in much more detail if you’re caring for someone with it. Go online and find an in-depth guide, or ideally, buy an all-encompassing book to prepare you for what’s ahead.
Keeping Yourself Healthy
As tough as a situation it is for the victim, Alzheimer’s is just as difficult for friends and family to deal with. As best you can, maintain a life filled with humor, compassion, and relaxing activities. Caring for someone with the disease can feel like working a second job in terms of how difficult it is, and you still need to take time for yourself. Get as much rest as you can, and don’t let yourself think of regret – there’s nothing you could have done.
Don’t be afraid to talk to friends and family and request help, or simply confide your fears to them. If you need someone to talk to, they are the ones you can trust in. You’ll naturally build up a lot of irritation, sadness, and even anger, and it’s OK to let that out in certain circumstances. Also, I’ll reiterate this again: take the time to understand the disease properly. A big cause of agitation in caregivers and family members is that they don’t understand the victim’s behaviours. By gaining knowledge, you’ll be able to rationalize things that little bit better.
You might even want to join a local Alzheimer’s support group in the area. There are additional ways to discuss caregiving tips with purposeful groups on Facebook. However you want to pursue extra help, you’ll normally find all the resources you need with a simple Google search.
Ultimately, Alzheimer’s is a horrendous disease, and we can only hope that are preventative treatment will be found in the years to come. For now, however, all we can do is deal with it in the best way we can. By providing patients with the best care possible, we can attempt to keep them safe and as happy as they can be. In a world where everything suddenly seems frightening and strange to them, it’s the caregiver’s job to reassure them. If you find yourself in this situation, do you research and you’ll be best prepared to provide them with the best support they can get.
Category: Health
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