Caring For A Family Member With Alzheimer’s
This type of dementia affects over 6 million Americans, can forever alter a family’s dynamic, and is commonly known as Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease as we know it, is the most common cause of dementia and can become severe enough that an individual may eventually lose their ability to continue a conversation with a loved one.
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can be difficult and may require additional support and knowledge, depending on the individual’s symptoms, lifestyle, and routine.
“Just like the rest of our bodies, our brains change as we age. Most of us eventually notice some slowed thinking and occasional problems with remembering certain things. However, serious memory loss, confusion and other major changes in the way our minds work may be a sign that brain cells are failing.
Alzheimer’s changes typically begin in the part of the brain that affects learning. As Alzheimer’s advances through the brain it leads to increasingly severe symptoms, including disorientation, mood and behavior changes; deepening confusion about events, time and place; unfounded suspicions about family, friends and professional caregivers; more serious memory loss and behavior changes; and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.” – Alzheimer’s Association
According to research and Alzheimer’s experts at the Mayo Clinic, caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s takes patience. Some of their helpful tips include limiting options, creating a safe environment, and limiting napping.
Something to take into consideration when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is communicating their new routine or behavior with children in the family, other loved ones, or even helping their significant other understand how to navigate this new relationship.
The National Institute on Aging has compiled a page with helpful articles pertaining to Relationships and Alzheimer’s disease.
Team Select Home Care can also help facilitate some of these difficult discussions and provide in-home care for your loved one. Providing Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Medical Social Work, Occupational Therapy, and Skilled Nursing – you can confidently let our Family take care of yours.
As part of Team Select’s Home Health Care Services, we also offer a specialized Dementia Program to care for your loved one’s unique needs. You can learn more about our programs and how we can help by clicking here.
Maintaining a continuous routine and open communication are two helpful tips also recommended by Alzheimer’s experts and can help lessen the chance of frustration, and confusion.
“Caregivers can help someone feel more comfortable by establishing a constant daily routine. Doing this can help reinforce a sense of familiarity in the person who has Alzheimer’s.
Caregivers should try to avoid making significant changes to a routine, as this can be confusing for someone.
Sometimes, there are changes that are unavoidable, such as introducing a new care provider or switching care settings. Individuals with Alzheimer’s often require time to adjust to new people and places, so caregivers should try to implement changes gradually.” – Medical News Today
Learn more about how Team Select can help you and your loved ones properly care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.
Resources
www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers
www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers/caregivingwww.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326374#learning-more