Discover The Dos And Don’ts Of Caregiving For A Loved One Who Has Alzheimer’s

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is difficult and sometimes frustrating, even more so as the disease progresses. With the disease advancing, it robs your loved one of the ability to understand and communicate, not to mention it brings personality and behavioral changes that can challenge even the most patient of caregivers. Remember, how family caregivers respond and react in these situations can make a huge difference. With over 5 million Americans who are suffering such disease, it’s a wise step to know more about how to deal with such patients as it could happen to you or to anyone of us.

Transitioning to an assisted living facility is the first big step to understanding your loved one’s needs. Memory care communities like Senior Sanctuary of Anthem- an award-winning Anthem assisted living facility in Phoenix- are specially designed to provide high-quality Alzheimer’s care.

In view of the abundant- somewhat overwhelming- amount of information for seniors with dementia and their families, find out our top dos and don’ts when dealing with Alzheimer’s disease that can help you in improving your relationship with your loved one living with dementia. It is important that caregivers practice compassionate communication and respond calmly, which can be highly beneficial in resolving conflict and aggressive behaviors.

Dos

1. Do change the way you communicate, in terms of the fact that use short, clear sentences, and speak using a calm voice, even when you have to repeat. Rephrase your questions in a way so that they can be answered with a “yes” or “no.”
2. It’s very easy to lose one’s cool when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Practice patience. When you are about to lose your cool, just remind yourself that the disease is not in their control. It is the disease talking, not your senior loved one.
3. Do be reassuring, which can keep your Alzheimer’s loved one calm and help them to feel safe.
4. Do play along as much as possible to avoid conflict and stress, instead of correcting their misunderstandings. Trying to reason with them or rationalize the situation might just go down the drain.
5. Do what you can to involve your loved one in fun activities.
6. Promote independence by letting them do as much as they can manage, which not only preserves their dignity, but can also help slow the progression of the disease.
7. Set up a routine for daily living.
8. It is essential to stay informed about Alzheimer’s, caregiving topics and the latest research in order to give the best form of care.

Don’ts

1. Don’t argue or confront as taking an aggressive stance can set off an aggressive defense in a person living with Alzheimer’s. Try and distract them from their thought or behavior when your senior loved one does or says something troubling.
2. Don’t offer explanations or tell lengthy stories.
3. It’s a big NO to remind your beloved that their memory is failing.

Don’t do everything alone. As a caregiver, you need to be realistic. Looking after someone with Alzheimer’s disease is a handful, so you must know when to need help when you know you cannot do it alone.