Alzheimers Care

Alzheimers Care is a full time job for either the sufferers' families or their Alzheimers Care facilities.

The hardest part is that no two people have the same needs or required amount of care. Each is an individual case. The amount of Alzheimers Care required can vary enormously from being needed very little to full or total care.

In the early stages of Alzheimers, your loved one may still be able to perform the daily tasks that allow a person to live and function independently. These abilities dwindle as the disease progresses.

Responding to these limitations, a person with Alzheimers may react with frustration, agitation and even aggression when once-automatic tasks become difficult or impossible. These suggestions may help to limit the challenges and ease the frustration for the sufferer and the Alzheimers Care Giver.

1.    Schedule wisely. Determine the time of day when your loved one is most calm and agreeable. As the Alzheimers Care Giver, schedule the most difficult tasks, such as bathing or medical appointments for that time period. Established routines help make the day more predictable and less confusing.
2.    Let him or her help. Involve your loved one in tasks as much as possible. Perhaps your husband can shave himself if you turn on the electric razor and put it in his hand. Maybe your wife can dress herself if you lay out the clothes in the order they go on.
3.    Limit choices. Having fewer options makes deciding easier. Reduce distractions at mealtimes or during conversations so that your loved one who requires Alzheimers Care can better focus on one thing at a time.
4.    Take more time. Expect things to take longer than they used to. Schedule in more time to complete even simple tasks. This way you don't need to hurry your loved one. Provide verbal and visual instructions one step at a time.
5.    Try to be flexible with Alzheimers Care. Your loved one's ability to function and cope will steadily decline. It may even vary from day to day. Try to stay flexible and adapt your routine as needed. Learn everything you can about Alzheimers treatment to gain a wider understanding of this debilitating disease.
6.    A favorite food may suddenly become unappealing. Or your loved one may insist on wearing the same outfit every day. If that happens, consider buying a few identical outfits. When your loved one is bathing, simply switch the worn outfit for a clean one.
7.    Allow your loved one to do as much as possible with the least amount of assistance. Relax your standards - don't always strive for the way things should be done. Bathing, for example, may not be necessary every day, especially if it's upsetting for your loved one.
8.    Create a safe environment. Alzheimer's disease impairs judgment and problem-solving skills, increasing your loved one's risk of injury. You can modify the home to help your loved one exercise within it as easily as possible.
9.    Individualized Alzheimers Care. Each person requiring Alzheimers Care experiences their symptoms and progression differently. Consequently, Alzheimers Care giving techniques need to vary. Tailor these practical tips to your loved one's individual needs. Remember that patience and flexibility are needed to help you and your loved one deal with the many frustrations ahead.

One thing that I feel is vitally important is to never lose sight of the person requiring Alzheimers Care.

No matter how the disease affects the individual, it is important to treat him or her with dignity and respect. Although certain abilities will be lost, the person's emotions and feelings will remain, as will the need for companionship and belonging. Provide activities and interactions that bring a sense of joy and celebration. Focus on the abilities that remain. This will go a long way in adding to the quality of life for the person in Alzheimers Care.

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