Caring for a person with Alzheimer's

• April 25, 2024

Various associations for Alzheimer's both from Mexico and the United States have developed a series of guides for relatives who have at home a person with Alzheimer's or other senile dementia.

Caring for a person with these characteristics is not easy and can be overwhelming. Various research have shown that people who engage in this kind of care are often at higher risk of depression and others diseases , especially if they do not receive adequate support from family, friends and the community. One of the biggest problems faced by people dedicated to these care It is the difficult behavior of the sick. Basic activities such as bathing, dressing or eating, often become difficult tasks to carry out, both for the person affected and for the person who attends.

Recommendations for a caregiver

Ask the doctor any questions you have about Alzheimer's disease or senile dementia. Contact organizations dedicated to the study of these disorders for more information and find a support group in which you can share your feelings and concerns.

Analyze your daily journey to identify if you can develop an easier routine. If there are times during the day when the patient is less confused or cooperates more easily, plan your routine to get the most out of those moments. Remember that the way the person performs can change from one day to the next, so try to be flexible and adapt your routine as necessary.

Alternatives

Consider the alternative of using centers for daily adult care or patient care services. These supports allow you to rest, knowing that the person suffering from this disease is being well taken care of. Start making plans for the future, these may include putting in order the financial and legal documents, or researching about long-term care options.

On the other hand, trying to communicate with a person suffering from Alzheimer's disease can become a challenge. Understanding and being understood can be very difficult. Other suggestions that the experts make are:

• Choose simple words, short phrases and use a calm and friendly tone of voice
• Avoid addressing the sick person as if he were a baby or talking about her as if she were not there
• Reducing distractions and noise - such as television or radio - helps the person focus on what you are saying.
• Call the person by name, make sure before speaking, that she is paying attention.
• Arm yourself with a lot of patience. Allow him to take enough time to respond and be careful not to interrupt him. If the person with Alzheimer's disease is struggling to find a word or communicate a thought, kindly try to give him the word he is looking for.
• Present the questions and instructions in a positive way.

Video Medicine: Caregiver Training: Refusal to Bathe | UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care (April 2024).