Supporting a Loved One with Alzheimer’s

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s requires understanding, compassion, and patience. It can be challenging, but it is also rewarding to know you are making a difference. Below are just a few tips for enhancing your caregiving journey and your loved one’s quality of life.

Understand the Disease

Alzheimer’s is an illness of the brain that is irreversible, causes memory loss, and interrupts one’s ability to carry out simple tasks. It is the main cause of dementia in older adults and affects nearly 5.5 million Americans over the age of 65. Although memory issues are typically the first sign, individuals may also experience trouble completing everyday tasks, mild cognitive impairment. As the disease progresses, frustration may also lead to anger and worry.

Help Manage Daily Tasks

As Alzheimer’s progresses in your loved one, it will create challenges and frustration in completing daily tasks. As a caregiver it is important to provide assistance when you can. The Mayo Clinic suggests reducing frustrations by establishing a daily routine and schedule, allow time for breaks, involve your loved one, provide limited options to avoid overwhelming them, make things simple, and reduce distractions when possible.

Keep Them Home

Caring for elder persons suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia in their own homes is extremely important, since moving them to an assisted living facility or a nursing home can often be disorienting and even harmful. Not only do familiar environments offer a great deal of security and peace of mind for these individuals, but caregivers should also understand that maintaining daily routines and a schedule similar to the one a senior followed prior to their symptoms can help reduce anxiety and confusion.

Choose CARE

At CARE, we understand that each situation is different, so we tailor our care to meet your loved one’s specific needs. Contact us to discuss if our team can make a difference in the life of your family member suffering from Alzheimer’s.