Caregiving Tips for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s

In our experience at Coastwide Senior Care, one of the biggest challenges for an individual with Alzheimer’s disease is performing daily tasks, especially as the disease progresses. For a loved one caring for such a patient, it becomes even more challenging as it requires a lot of patience, perseverance, and flexibility.

At Coastwide Senior Care our senior care advisors not only help family members and caregivers by providing detailed information about caring for patients with Alzheimer’s but also suggest the best local senior care facilities for professional Alzheimer’s care. While doing so, Coastwide emphasizes the reputation and experience of users of communities providing care for seniors with Alzheimer’s. However, it keeps the interests and needs of you or your loved one front and center.

Our experienced senior care advisors at Coastwide Senior Care can significantly reduce the time and effort needed to find the right community for your loved one coping with Alzheimer’s. Our senior advisors help review licenses, inspection reports, alignment with local and federal regulations, manage paperwork, and aid in moving into the desired facility.

Practical Care For Alzheimer’s

As an individual with dementia becomes increasingly dependent on family members or caregivers with time, you can take some practical steps discussed below to provide care with love while maintaining their dignity and sense of independence.

Establish a routine

Schedule tasks for a person with Alzheimer’s wisely. Though forgetfulness is a common sign in dementia, your loved one may still be able to learn and follow routines. Don’t plan for activities such as bathing, medical appointments and walks when the patient is sluggish and tired. On some days, you may also have to be flexible with your routine depending upon the state of the patient’s mind and body. However, remember always to encourage spontaneity.

Prioritize safety

Safety of the patient is paramount when taking care of an individual with Alzheimer’s disease as their judgement, and problem-solving abilities are impaired. Install handrails and bars in accident-prone areas, and get rid of loose wire and cords that may cause them to trip and fall. Store dangerous or poisonous items in locked cabinets. Allow your loved one to smoke only under supervision and take all fire safety precautions.

Reduce distractions

People with Alzheimer’s are easily distracted. Avoid TV viewing, conversations, and other distractions during mealtime so that your loved one can focus and eat well. Also, allow them to take more time for tasks and don’t hurry them through their daily routine.

Our experienced professionals at Coastwide Senior Care recommend that you also remember some daily care tips to help properly care for your loved one coping with Alzheimer’s.

Daily Care Tips

Brushing: To remind your loved one, as they become forgetful about little things, brush your teeth with them. Always use an angled and long-handled toothbrush. Use an electric toothbrush, but only under supervision.

Grooming: If your loved one prefers to wear makeup, offer her to help but don’t let her overdo it. You can help her with powder and lipstick but avoid eye makeup if it’s difficult to apply.

Dressing: Pick clothing or dresses that are easy-to-wear. Avoid those with laces, buckles, buttons and elaborate designs. Take out clothes in the order your loved one would like to wear and offer them one at a time.

Bathing: Use grab bars, rubber mats, handheld showers and comfortable shower stools in the bathroom to prevent falls and avoid injury. You can try sponge baths if it’s too hard to get in and out of the shower. When you assist them for a bath, explain to them what you are doing each step of the way and respect their privacy.

Activities: Get your loved one involved in simple household chores to preserve their self-esteem and self-worth. For example, they can help you with folding clothes, arranging books on the shelf, moving utensils, and finding food ingredients.

At Coastwide Senior Care, we know that every person with Alzheimer’s disease will display different symptoms and progress differently. Moreover, every person is unique with different attitudes and characteristics, so you will have to tailor your approach according to individual needs and nature for their optimum care and well-being.