An estimated 4.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. The start of the disease is usually after the age of 60 and the risk of developing the disease increases with age.
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that gradually destroys a person's memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities. As Alzheimer’s progresses, individuals may also experience changes in personality and behavior, such as anxiety, agitation, delusions, or hallucinations. Alzheimer’s disease is progressive, meaning that it will worsen over time. In the early stages of the disease, individuals may simply have trouble remembering recent events, activities, and names of familiar people and objects. However, in the later stages, forgetfulness begins to hinder daily activities and the individual may become agitated and aggressive. The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is still unknown. Even though there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, care and support can improve the quality of life for diagnosed individuals. Through the time and effort of caregivers, life with Alzheimer’s disease can become more manageable.
If you are currently caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease you may at times feel overwhelmed with your responsibility. Managing activities of daily living for someone with Alzheimer’s disease is often a difficult task for both the caregiver and the individual afflicted with the disease. However, taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be very rewarding for both the individual with the disease and the caregiver. It is important to develop routines to facilitate ease of daily activities and personal care for your loved one.
When choosing activities for someone with Alzheimer’s disease it is best to build on existing skills rather than to teach something new. Keep the activity simple and provide step by step assistance if needed. Watch for signs of frustration or agitation. If this occurs, gently help or provide instructions in a positive way. When talking to a loved one with Alzheimer’s it is best to call the individual by name, speak slowly and gently, use simple words, and short sentences. Make sure to give your loved one positive reinforcement during daily activities to encourage continued cooperation and participation. Certain daily activities such as mealtime, bathing, and bedtime can be especially challenging if a routine is not in place. When preparing meals, it is best to limit the number of food choices and serve small portions. Finger foods may be substituted and cups with lids can be used to make eating and drinking easier. Bathing can be a frightening and confusing experience for many people with Alzheimer’s. To ease any fears, explain what you are doing and allow him or her to do as much as possible. Never leave your loved one unattended in the bath or shower as they may fall or become agitated. A sponge can be an effective option between showers or baths. As the day comes to an end, bedtime may be frightening for someone with Alzheimer’s. Try to develop a bedtime routine, limit daytime napping, encourage daily exercise, and limit caffeine intake late in the day. These tips may sound simple, but implementing them will require patience with your loved one.
Home safety is also an important issue if you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. It is helpful to install secure locks on all doors and windows, especially is a loved one is likely to wander off. Use childproof latches and keep knives and any other sharp objects out of reach. Make sure your house is free of clutter and lighting is adequate to prevent a fall. Keep car keys out of reach to avoid the risk of your loved one getting behind the wheel. By looking at your home carefully, you can eliminate many safety risks for your loved one.
Despite your best efforts, there may become a time when you are unable to care for your loved one at home. At this point, the individual with Alzheimer’s will have to move to a facility where there is professional around the clock care. Often times, they will move to a skilled nursing facility or nursing home. When deciding where your loved one will live it is important to visit the facilities in person and to prepare a list of questions that you would like to ask the staff. Some information that may be important to you and your loved one includes: activity programs, transportation, visiting policies, and special care units for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. The Administration on Aging Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) is a resource to learn more about nursing facilities and to find the best home for your loved one.
Just remember that as a caregiver you need support too. There are often local support groups for those who care for loved ones with this debilitating disease. The Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) can provide a list of such groups and is a resource for further information regarding Alzheimer’s disease.
Source: Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s. NIH Senior Health. www.nihseniorhealth.gov/alzheimerscare/
Kristin Kouski, Pharm.D.
