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Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease where symptoms manifest differently in each individual. As a result of the varying rates of progression and range of symptoms, caregivers may feel they don’t know how to care for the senior. Here are ways to give elderly Alzheimer’s patients comfort and care.
Coping with the challenges of caring for an aging loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease starts with understanding the condition. Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease that gradually robs an individual of their ability to think, reason, remember, and carry out tasks independently.
What are the three stages of Alzheimer’s disease?
1. Mild Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s progresses through three stages: mild, moderate, and severe. Mild Alzheimer’s, also called early-stage, is the senior’s first experience with memory problems. They may forget the names of people or recent events. They slowly lose their ability to plan, such as when making a grocery list.
2. Moderate Alzheimer’s
Moderate Alzheimer’s disease is the middle stage when memory loss and confusion become more noticeable. Seniors in this stage need help getting dressed and may not know what time of day or year it is. Incontinence issues arise and they may have trouble sleeping.
3. Severe Alzheimer’s
The last stage of Alzheimer’s disease is the most severe. During late-stage Alzheimer’s, the older adult is completely dependent on a caregiver to complete everyday tasks, like sitting up or walking. They may no longer be able to talk. This last stage ends with the death of the senior.
How do caregivers improve communication?
Communication becomes difficult for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease due to the memory issues that accompany it. These older adults struggle to find the right words, lose their train of thought while speaking, or simply forget what they want to say.
Rather than succumb to frustration, caregivers should encourage two-way communication with the senior. Make eye contact; give simple, step-by-step instructions; and be open to the older adult’s concerns, even if it becomes difficult to understand what they are trying to say.
How do caregivers assist with memory issues?
When seniors receive an Alzheimer’s diagnoses, they are likely to already be aware of their fading memory. Caring for someone with memory loss includes taking the time to listen, especially when the senior wants to talk about how their disease is causing changes.
Caregivers should avoid correcting the aging adult when they say something odd. Also be careful to not put words in the senior’s mouth too quickly. As they gradually lose their speech, seniors rely on facial expressions to communicate. Pay attention to expressions that reveal anger, sadness or frustration.
How do caregivers manage personality changes?
Since Alzheimer’s causes cell death in the brain, behavior and personality change in the senior. The Alzheimer’s patient may wander, misunderstand what they hear, misplace, or hide items, and get worried or upset more easily. Unusual behavior may also include hitting people.
When changes to their behavior are triggered by loud sounds, turn off the source of the noise to calm them. Establish a daily routine so that the aging adult knows what to expect. Give the senior a safe place to walk, comfortable shoes, and light snacks and drinks.
How do caregivers handle delusions?
Hallucinations and delusions are outcomes of disease progression. The senior may see, hear, smell, or taste something that isn’t there. Delusions occur when the older person holds beliefs that have no basis in reality, like thinking a spouse is romantically involved with someone else.
Caregivers can provide compassionate care by discussing the senior’s delusions with the doctor, who may adjust medications that cause these issues. Distractions are an effective response to delusions; try moving to another room or going for a walk with the elderly individual. Let the senior know they’re safe.
How do caregivers reduce agitation?
Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may become agitated—and their restlessness is usually due to a reason. Physical pain, depression, constipation, or soiled undergarments are common causes. A sudden change in routine, too much noise, and feeling lonely also contribute to their agitation.
Caregivers are urged to pinpoint the cause of the senior’s worry and alleviate it. If the senior is concerned about having too few people around, engage the senior socially. Place family photos and cherished mementos throughout the home to help the senior feel more secure.
How do caregivers prevent wandering?
Wandering is a common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and should be limited by the caregiver. Keep the senior safe by ensuring they carry ID or wear a medical bracelet, letting neighbors and police know they suffer from dementia and tend to wander and keeping the doors locked.
Due to the risks of the senior becoming lost or injured when they wander, it is imperative that they never be left alone at home. When families are unable to supervise their aging loved one, reliable Alzheimer’s care from Assisting Hands Home Care is the solution.
Our home care agency provides exceptional in-home memory care to seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or any other form of dementia. Caregivers are trained to identify and manage symptoms. We keep seniors stimulated with memory exercises and reduce agitation with distraction techniques.
Whether your aging loved one is in the early, middle, or late stage of Alzheimer’s, the compassionate care from Assisting Hands Home Care fulfills all their non-medical care needs in the comfort and familiarity of the home environment. Memory care at home leads to a better quality of life.
Our memory caregivers are also excellent companions to the elderly with Alzheimer’s. We prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation by taking them on safe outings, initiating conversations, joining them in recreational activities, and providing transportation and escort to community destinations.
Assisting Hands Home Care in Lombard, Illinois, provides comprehensive in-home dementia care. Caregivers assist the elderly with daily tasks and promote their dignity. We serve seniors in Medinah, IL | Glendale Heights, IL | Itasca, IL | Bensenville, IL | Elmhurst, IL | Villa Park, IL | Addison, IL | Lombard, IL and the surrounding areas. Call us at (630) 526-6522 to schedule a free in-home consult with us and we’ll develop a customized care plan.
