Loving and caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be difficult. Watching them slowly lose who they were can be hard to see. We’re here to offer some supportive help for both Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers that might make caregiving a little easier. 

Supportive Strategies for Alzheimer’s Patients

Here are some strategies that might help your loved one as they struggle through the day-to-day activities of their lives. 

• Maintain a Routine: Consistency and structure can help reduce confusion and anxiety of your loved one. Sticking to a routine for meals, activities, and sleep should help.
• Communication: It’s important to use clear and simple language when talking to your loved one. Make direct eye contact and speak slowly and clearly. Also, listen to their concerns closely. 
• Encourage Independence: Help the person with Alzheimer’s stay as independent as possible. Allowing them to perform tasks that are safe for them to do independently encourages them and gives them a boost of self-esteem. It allows them to retain some level of autonomy.
• Engage in Memory-Boosting Activities: Puzzles, art, music, reminiscence therapy, and other activities that challenge memory and cognitive skills can be useful in helping patients with Alzheimer’s. It’s enjoyable for them and is also beneficial.
• Safety Measures: Keep your loved one’s living area safe by removing trip hazards, using locks and alarms to prevent wandering, and keep dangerous items out of reach. 
• Proper Nutrition: Ensure that your loved one eats a balanced diet and stays hydrated. 
• Physical Activity: Regular physical activity, such as a short walk, can help with your loved one’s overall health and mood.
• Medication Management: It’s important to make sure that your loved one stays on track with their medication, and if they start a new one, monitor them to make sure there are no adverse reactions or side effects. 
• Join Support Groups: Being part of a support group or activities for people with Alzheimer’s provides social interaction and a sense of belonging for your loved one. 

Supportive Strategies for Caregivers

Taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming and challenging. But there are ways to make it easier on yourself as you care for your loved one. 

• Educate Yourself: Learning about Alzheimer’s and its progression can prepare you for what your future might look like as you care for your loved one. 
• Set Realistic and Attainable Goals: Oftentimes, caregivers try to make everything perfect and set unattainable goals for their loved ones. Understanding that only 80% success is still success and is helpful with coping and living with your loved one who has Alzheimer’s. Sometimes, they won’t be fully groomed or the house perfectly organized, but it will be okay regardless.
• Seek Support: Connect with local or online support groups for caregivers. Sharing experiences and advice can be helpful. You can even talk to family and friends, or even a counselor. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be emotionally taxing.
• Respite Care: Plan some time for respite care. Self-care and a break are important for maintaining your own health and well-being. 
• Legal and Financial Planning: Make sure that all legal and financial matters are in place, like power of attorney and advance directives. 
• Be Patient: Alzheimer’s can be frustrating for both parties. It’s important to be patient, empathetic, and understanding.
• Maintain Your Health: When you’re healthy, you’re better equipped to provide care. Be sure to take care of your own physical and mental health. 
• Plan for the Future: Make plans according to your loved one’s long-term care and needs. This might involve in-home care or memory care facilities. 
• Be Flexible: Always remember that Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, which means that symptoms and needs change over time. 

Caregiving for loved ones with Alzheimer’s can be a challenging and emotional journey. Remember, you are not alone. A Caring Hand at Home is here to help you. Whether you need respite care for yourself or you need help with dementia care for your loved one, we’re here to help you. Contact us today and schedule an appointment for a free home care consultation.