Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease takes a lot of patience, affection, and flexibility. It can be challenging because of the emotional frustration and pity in seeing someone dear to you slowly losing his or her memory and motor skills. Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease that can progress very rapidly. The sooner the patient gets professional treatment and personalized memory care, the better.
Find the best memory care facility
Finding the best available healthcare center for your loved one is a top priority. It is essential to keep the patient safe at all times. When choosing one, the best way to start is to create a list of non-negotiable facilities and inclusion in the healthcare package. Not all facilities are made equal, so be thorough when weighing the pros and cons.
You can also research experiences and reviews of other patients or family members. You can be specific with your search and find out what to expect in memory care in Denver (if you live in the area).
Study the different restorative programs and therapies available at varying levels of Alzheimer’s condition. An excellent choice is a healthcare facility that provides safe living space and an individualized approach that prioritizes the patient’s well-being.
Learn about Alzheimer’s disease
Knowing the symptoms helps you handle the emotional impact and cope with the stages. While the patient suffers, you and your family will also go through the experiences of complex emotions. Learning that your loved one has Alzheimer’s can be devastating. Expect overwhelming feelings of sadness, fear, pity, frustration, and anticipatory grief at some points. This could lead to a lot of stress, anxiety, and even depression. By learning how to deal with the symptoms, you begin to understand the passive-aggressive behavior of your loved one.
Create a support team
Caregiving demands energy and time. This is why a lot of families with a member who has Alzheimer’s disease look for a memory care facility that can provide a compassionate and nurturing environment. If you prefer to deal with it alone (without the help of family members), it can be challenging and taxing on your health. A support group is helpful, especially when the condition worsens. Dividing tasks like medication management, doctor appointments, and meal preparation makes caregiving so much easier.
Establish a daily routine
A person with Alzheimer’s is easily confused when there is a change in his daily routine. It may involve changing care settings or providers. It is necessary to help him adjust to a new place or people. If you decide to take your loved one to a healthcare facility that specializes in memory loss, make sure that it has a friendly staff that caters to the unique, personal needs of your loved one. Well-trained professional caregivers are adept at providing the necessary therapy and response to the patient’s behavior. They assist patients in adapting to the new environment and follow a daily routine.
Promote constant communication
People who have Alzheimer’s tend to lose the train of thoughts suddenly or have difficulty remembering specific words. The disease impacts the patient’s ability to interpret or communicate, hence the importance of promoting ongoing conversation. Caregivers should encourage the patient to talk and share what is in his mind. It is also crucial to use specific communication strategies to prevent confusing the patient.
- Make sure to ask one question at a time and listen to the answer.
- Maintain a smile and eye contact.
- Speak with a calm, soft voice.
- Avoid oversimplifying, or baby talk.
- Use open, relaxed body language.
- Keep calm when the patient makes angry outbursts.
- Use the other person’s name.
- Provide simple and clear instructions.
- Provide choices that will help him decide quickly.
- Reduce distractions during conversations or mealtime to help him focus
Boost his self-esteem
Keeping your loved one feel and look good mitigate the sense of ‘not being himself anymore.’ It is necessary to help him do the following:
- Choose what they want to wear by laying out outfits.
- Allow them extra time to dress.
- Let them brush his teeth at the same time every day.
- Buy them comfortable clothing.
- Serve their favorite foods and treats.
- Encourage them to be active by doing exercises, listening to music, and doing light household chores.
Takeaway
Deciding to get memory care for a loved one as soon as the symptoms are validated by a doctor is essential. Delaying it would be detrimental and make life difficult for everyone. It is vital to find the best care provider that offers treatment, therapy, and caregiving services to ensure that the patient is safe and given the care they deserve.