Caring for People with Alzheimer’s

People with Alzheimer’s and related dementias experience changes in thinking, remembering, and reasoning that affects nearly every aspect of daily life. Eventually people with Alzheimer’s will need assistance completing everyday tasks including dressing, bathing, and grooming. Often times It can be upsetting to the person to need help with such personal activities. Here are a few tips to consider as a caregiver to best help your loved one as the disease progresses:

• Keep a routine, such as bathing, dressing, and eating at the same time every day.
• Help the person compile to-do lists, appointments, and events in a notebook or calendar.
• Plan activities that the person enjoys and try to do them at the same time each day.
• Consider a Medication dispenser or reminders for taking medications regularly.
• When dressing or bathing, allow the person to do as much as possible.
• Tell the person what you are going to do, step by step while you help them bathe or get dressed.
• Buy comfortable, loose-fitting, easy-to-use clothing, such as clothes with elastic waistbands, Velcro fasteners, or large zipper pulls instead of shoelaces, buttons, or buckles.
• Use a sturdy shower chair for a person who is unsteady to prevent falls.
• Serve meals at the same time each day in a familiar place and allow extra time for the to eat.

 
Communication Tips to Help Care for People with Alzheimer’s
Communication can become difficult for people with Alzheimer’s because they have trouble remembering things. This can lead to agitation or even anger. It is common for a person with Alzheimer’s to have trouble finding the right words. As a caregiver it is easy to feel frustrated or impatient, but it is important to understand that the disease is causing the change in communication skills.

• Speak calmly, listen to their concerns.
• Avoid raising your voice.
• Try to show that you understand if the person is angry or fearful.
• Allow the person to keep as much control in their life as possible.
• Respect the person’s personal space. Standing directly over someone or behind them may feel threatening.
• Plan quiet times during the day.
• Encourage two-way conversations for as long as possible.
• If the person is becoming agitated try distracting them with an activity, or snack, if you are having trouble communicating with words.
• Look for nonverbal cues such as a grimace to indicate pain or wandering if a person feels agitated.
• Be mindful of your own body language. Do your best to maintain positive facial expressions. Avoid crossing your arms.

Maintaining a Healthy and Active Lifestyle for People with Alzheimer’s
Eating healthy and staying active is good for everyone. As the disease progresses, maintaining a healthy diet and staying active may be increasingly challenging.

• Consider activities the person can do to stay active, such as household chores, walks, basic exercises, or gardening. Carefully consider the persons abilities and limitations when planning activities.
• People with dementia may lack the interest or initiative to start activities on their own but will often join in if others start.
• Add music to exercises or activities.
• Dancing can be a great form of exercise if it is possible for them.
• Be realistic about how much activity can be done at one time. Several short “mini-workouts” may be best.
• Take a walk together each day.
• Buy variety of healthy foods that are easy to prepare, such as cut fruit, premade salads and single portions.
• Give the person choices about what to eat, for example, “Would you like fruit or yogurt?”

Home Safety Tips for People With Alzheimer's
As a caregiver or family member of a person with Alzheimer’s there are many things to consider that can make the home a safer place. Removing hazards and adding safety features around the home can help give the person more freedom to move around independently and safely.

• If you have stairs, make sure there is at least one handrail.
• Put carpet or safety grip strips on stairs.
• Insert safety plugs into unused electrical outlets.
• Consider safety latches on cabinet doors.
• Remove clutter and unused items.
• Remove throw rugs, electrical cords, and other items the person may trip over.
• Make sure all rooms and outdoor areas have good lighting.
• Remove or lock up cleaning products.

You can download a Free Alzheimer’s home safety checklist here.