5 Ways of Taking Care of an Alzheimer’s Patient

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a major brain disorder in which a person’s memory gradually decreases, disabling his/her ability to learn, reason, and communicate. It also prevents them from performing daily routine activities properly. While these impairments are enough to make life difficult, individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s can also suffer from anxiety, suspiciousness and/or other abnormal behavior patterns, including hallucinations.

Alzheimer’s patients are often incapable of performing some of the simplest tasks while, they can also attempt things that are really harmful and dangerous. It is thus an important aspect of an Alzheimer’s patient’s life that s/he is given proper treatment and care as there is no drug or treatment available to cure AD. However, proper care from family members and the use of special drugs have resulted in improved cognitive skills and behavior of Alzheimer’s patients.

It is estimated that two third of Alzheimer’s patients are taken care of at home, mostly by a spouse. With the passage of time, this huge responsibility turns into a burden due to the physical and psychological hardships it requires from the caretakers.

If you are reading this, you probably have someone in your family who is suffering from this incurable disease. Here, we provide you 5 ways of taking care of an Alzheimer’s patient that will ensure a healthy environment at home and will help you cope with difficult situations in a comfortable manner.

1. Praise Thy Patient!

In addition to suffering from Alzheimer’s, patients with this disease also suffer from frustration, isolation and despair. They require constant care and appreciation from the family members, even if they make big mistakes. Appreciating their work will make them feel better and ultimately please the caretakers too.

2. Don’t Lie

Lying will make the matters worse. Giving false hopes and making bogus promises will only ruin your relationship with the patient and affect his/her mental condition. It will also give the Alzheimer’s patient a feeling of being a burden on you and a sign that you are waiting to get rid of him/her.

Additionally, Alzheimer’s patients are already suspicious about everyone lying to them. It may hurt them (for a moment though) and make them uncomfortable. So, don’t lie and try to make them forget about a situation that is irritating you. You can do this by engaging them in talking or watching television or a taking them for a walk.

3. Take Care of Patients’ Physical Needs

Alzheimer patients are vulnerable and dependant. They require constant help from family members to go to the restroom; eat and drink and go to bed etc. If an Alzheimer patient is wandering, it is often a sign that the patient needs something. Try to engage the patient in some sort of physical activity. Play easy board games, watch TV or go for a walk together, talk about the past, and go to places the patient enjoys the most.

With these activities, you will also be giving time to yourself for relaxation and keeping your mind away from distress. Ask the patient if s/he wants to go to the restroom at least twice a day and keep standing outside the bathroom. Alzheimer’s patients forget about even the smallest things. Make sure that the patients receive daily dosage of medications (vitamin E, cholinesterase inhibitors, etc.). Also, take care of the patient’s hygiene.

4. Set Up their Rooms

Alzheimer patients need rooms where they are familiar with the environment. Set up their room with photos of loved ones and family members. Additionally, decorate the room with the favorite belongings of the patient. Keep sharp and hazardous objects away from Alzheimer patients as they cannot differentiate between safe and unsafe or what is good or bad for them.

5. Have Patience

This is by far the most important point to keep in mind while caring for Alzheimer’s patients. It is not an easy job to look after people suffering from this disease. There will be times when AD patients ask some of the most annoying questions or do the most irritating things.

Nonetheless, keep yourself calm and have patience. Remember that they are vulnerable in this situation and did not ask this to happen to them. Anger or loud noises will only make them feel worse about themselves or aggravate their condition.

Without any doubt, taking care of Alzheimer patients is not an easy job. You might get frustrated, tired and feel bad for feeling all this. However, don’t blame either yourself or the patient as it will not solve anything. Try to handle things patiently and good naturedly, as calmly as possible and taking care of Alzheimer patient will not longer be a burden.