The Nuances of Alzheimer?s Care

Posted by HelenaNelson on October 17th, 2017

An ageing member in a family is childlike, more demanding and require greater care and attention, especially when they develop dementia or memory loss like Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is fairly common among seniors and if someone in your family is suffering from the condition, having sufficient knowledge about it is advisable. You should also know how to deal with them. Here’s some helpful advice on Alzheimer's care:

• You must know that an Alzheimer's patient cannot be left alone, particularly in later stages. This can be highly dangerous. There must be some attendant around the patient. Due to loss of memory, there is a tendency to leave the taps on, the iron unattended or leave the gas on. Always remember that the patient is not capable to fend for himself. So, allow necessary help.
• Safety of the house and the patient should be on your mind. A patient may leave the main door open, step out of the house unknowingly, or may be disoriented enough to interpret that he is outdoors. You could notice agitation, restlessness and dejection in patients at the prospect of being left alone. So, make sure there is someone always around them when you are busy with chores.
• Alzheimer's care requires tremendous patience so make sure you are ready to deal with it. If not, try to develop the abilities in you. Have a plan ready to deal with the patient and give you a sense of balance and control. A regulated routine and planned execution will help you take care of the patient in a better way. Put everything that the patient may need within his reach to avoid any unfortunate incident from occurring.
• Empower the patient – this is therapeutic and requires patience and regular practice. Assign them small tasks, though insignificant. But, make sure it is not hazardous. This is crucial to give them a sense of fulfilment and engagement.

As a patient’s close aide, you must remember that the patient may not eventually recognize you or understand what you are doing, but feel important with it to some level. When you take time to be with them, talk to them, involve them in your activities and help them, they will appreciate your efforts and feel joyous. Bringing smile to their face is truly gratifying.

Alzheimer's care in Chardon provides quality and therapeutic care to patients. Such a facility can offer you peace with the assurance that the patient is cared in a safe and healthy environment to stimulate their physical, mental and emotional well-being.