Caregivers' Guide for Tending to Alzheimer's Patients

Caring for someone with Alzheimer's can be a difficult and daunting job. As the disease progresses, you cannot count on the same comforting routine of care. As symptoms worsen, adapting is of key importance. At the same time, you also need support too. Without taking care of yourself, you cannot adequately take care of your Alzheimer patient. There are some steps you can take as the caregiver to hold onto your sanity and cope with the rigors of caring for a person with the disease.

Understanding the diagnosis - Finding out a loved one has Alzheimer's is heart-wrenching, knowing that at some point, they may not recognize you. There are some things you can do to cope with the diagnosis like arming yourself with information. Talk with the doctor and seek counseling with support groups. Be prepared that at some point, you may have to call in for help - either home health care or a special needs living community. Understand that the emotions you are dealing with are normal. Plan for the future - wills, power of attorney, and health care should all be mapped out while the Alzheimer's patient still understands what is going on. Most of all, know when to ask for help.

Trying to communicate - As Alzheimer's becomes more pronounced, communication can be hindered between the patient and caregiver. It will be hard, but staying positive and injecting that into your tone of voice helps and keeps the patient from feeling flustered. When you speak with them, do so in a calm manner, using small sentences and easy words and never talk down to them. While they may not understand what you are saying, they could still "feel" the attitude behind the words. Be patient when awaiting a response. Sometimes, you may not get one and sometimes, they could be struggling with words.

Grooming and dressing tips - With the progression of Alzheimer's comes confusion. Some patients become scared of bathing and others look at zippers and buttons as if they are alien devices. In a way, they are alien. Your job as the caregiver is to make sure that they don't hurt themselves and to take over when independence is no longer possible. Sometimes, that might mean the use of incontinence products. It could mean choosing all the clothing they are to wear and eliminate any decisions they might have to make. Installation of safety devices like handrails and skid-proof bath mats can be helpful tools.

Eating and Exercise - Alzheimer's patients can forget to eat at times, so having a regular schedule of daily snacks and meals helps maintain a sense of balance. If coordination becomes a problem, finger foods and straws for drinks can help. Serving several mini-meals can help when attention wanders too frequently to have a full meal. Taking daily walks or just basking in the sunshine is beneficial to patients with the disease. If they are able, engage them in a simple activity like picking wildflowers or leaves.

By recognizing and anticipating the worsening of Alzheimer's symptoms, you can be prepared to face the challenges of care for a patient or loved one. When you are at the end of your rope, ask for help. Maybe a family member can "babysit" for a few hours so you can get out and watch a movie or go for a walk. Don't forget that your local Alzheimer's support groups can help you cope with the challenges you are facing. You will know that you are not alone.

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