Alzheimer's Care Tips for Daily Life
Alzheimer’s Care: Tips for Daily Activities
Alzheimer’s care, like many forms of special needs, care requires patience and flexibility. Consider these tips for daily tasks to reduce any frustration. Between limiting choices and fostering a safe environment, there are a plethora of opportunities to provide peace of mind for any involved in the in-home care process.
When a loved one with Alzheimer's is involved, it can be hard for family members to trust nursing homes or care facilities. In fact, in the early stages, they may resist specially trained personal care providers. However, in-home care improves the quality of life for everyone involved. Respite care and in-home care services offer peace of mind in familiar surroundings.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia In-Home Care
When you provide in-home care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, your role is to manage their daily tasks. Over time, your role as an Alzheimer’s caregiver grows as the disease progresses. To manager your own stress while providing in-home care, it’s important to find practical ways for the client to participate. This may seem small, but it is an excellent way for you to manage your tasks. It also helps the client to remain active and engaged.
Alzheimer’s Care Tips to Reduce Frustration
When simple tasks become difficult, so does Alzheimer’s Care. This is because the client can feel a great deal of frustration and agitation. Here are a few in-home care tips to ease the frustration on both sides of the relationship.
Take your time and be patient with the client. Understand that tasks may take longer, and be patient. Schedule more time for daily tasks and allow some flexibility for breaks. A short break can ease the tension and offer a calming moment.
Schedule with care, wisdom, and understanding. A daily routine is an important part of in-home care. Alzheimer’s care requires a specific yet flexible routine. As you schedule, know that some tasks are easier when the client is alert and refreshed.
Involve the client in tasks that they can complete. Allow your client to do as much as possible with the least amount of assistance. For example, they might be able to set the table or dress independently so long as they have visual cues.
In-Home Care Tips for Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Allow limited napping. Avoid multiple and prolonged naps throughout the day. This minimizes the risk of reversing day and night routines.
Offer select options to make them feel involved. Offer a few choices every day, but not too many options. For instance, let the client choose between two outfits or ask whether they prefer a hot or cold drink.
Limit distractions to ensure focus. Minimize distractions during conversations and meals to make it easier for the client to focus. For example, turn off the TV so that they don’t experience any sensory overload when they need to focus.
Give simple, clear instructions that are understandable. Clear, one-step communication works best in Alzheimer’s care.
Flexibility Is Key in Alzheimer’s Care Services
As the disease progresses, a person with dementia becomes more dependent. Stay flexible and adapt your routine and expectations whenever necessary. These moments of reevaluation can greatly reduce frustration with in-home care.
For instance, if the client insists on wearing the same outfit every day, a family caregiver might buy a few identical outfits. When the client resists bathing, it might be okay to reduce the frequency.
Foster an Environment Safe for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care
Dementia impairs the client’s judgment and critical thinking. In turn, this increases their risk of injury. Here are a few Alzheimer’s care tips to increase the safety of the home environment.
Utilize locks to keep hazards out of reach. Lock cabinets that contain any potential dangers. This can include medicines, alcohol, toxic substances, dangerous tools, or guns.
Implement fire safety precautions. Matches and lighters must remain out of reach at all times. When the person with Alzheimer’s smokes, supervise them as they smoke. Keep a fire extinguisher accessible and ensure that smoke detectors always have fresh batteries.
Prevent falls by removing hazards. Move any scatter rugs, clutter, and extension cords out of walking paths because they are tripping hazards. Install handrails and grab bars in areas where falls may be more likely.
Check water temperature. Lowering the thermostat on the water heater can prevent burns.
Individualized Care for Those with Alzheimer’s
People with Alzheimer’s disease experience symptoms and progression differently. While these tips are practical and can be helpful, tailor them to your specific situation. Patience and flexibility will go a long way as you deal with the challenges and frustrations ahead. We work with families in Houston, TX, and surrounding areas to provide senior care and residential care plans that allow people to stay in a familiar place.
Accepting in-home care can be an emotional step for families. At Chrysalis Spectrum, we understand how difficult it can be to trust a stranger with the care of your loved one. We pride ourselves in finding the best fit between clients and in-home caregivers. Chrysalis Spectrum is in a unique position to help match your family with an in-home care provider suited to your needs.
