How to Care for Alzheimer’s Patients at Home

If you have taken it upon yourself to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you may find the task challenging. Alzheimer’s patients suffer from many symptoms including memory loss, confusion and difficulty completing tasks that used to be familiar. As a caregiver, this can be frustrating. As the disease worsens, your Alzheimer’s care will need to increase – and so will your patience.

If you’re not sure how to handle your role as caregiver and need some advice, below are some tips that may help:

Limit Challenges that Cause Frustration

When tasks that used to be easy become difficult, both you and the patient may get upset. Whether it’s dressing, bathing or even eating, allowing for more time and predicting roadblocks can help to limit everyone’s frustration. Try making a schedule of tasks for the day to help the patient know what’s coming next.

The Alzheimer’s patient may also enjoy having more choices when it comes to their tasks, such as dressing in clothes with zippers instead of buttons. And, when focusing on simple tasks becomes tough for the patient, you as the caregiver can limit their distractions (such as the TV or radio) to increase their focus.

Be Flexible with Alzheimer’s Care

As symptoms progress, you will need to make changes in how you provide care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. This may include choosing easy-to-swallow foods, buying simpler outfits and modifying schedules. Being nimble can help you as the caregiver to react with ease. If you can roll with the punches instead of becoming frustrated, the patient is likely to feel more at ease too.

Provide a Safe Space

Alzheimer services should always center on safety. When tasks like standing and walking become hard for the patient, it’s time to make changes to your home. This might involve removing rugs or power cords that could cause a fall or installing handlebars in the bathroom for balance. In later stages of the disease, it may be wise to install locks on the doors to prevent wandering or on cabinets to ensure dangerous goods aren’t swallowed.

Seek Professional Alzheimer Services

If you’re still Googling “Alzheimer care near me,” it may be time to hire professional help. If you live in the Oakville area, iCare Home Health can provide the Alzheimer’s patient in your family with individual care and support. Call us at (647) 492-1486 or email info@icarehomehealth.ca to learn about our Alzheimer’s and dementia support services.