Looking After Alzheimer’s Patients – How to Make Their Lives Easier

According to the statistics released by CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 5 million people annually in the United States. And the number of caregivers for them is almost thrice that number. Taking care of a person suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s could be really challenging without the proper know-how. It is a long journey that comes with its own roller coaster of emotions and struggles. However, with some tactics, you can make this experience rewarding.

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Learn As Much As You Can

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s are known to worsen with time. Therefore, you should try to learn as much as possible about it. Having more understanding about its progression and its symptoms can help you to plan ahead better. Depending upon its severity, a patient’s dependability increases upon the caregiver. Thus, the more you know about the disease, the better you would be equipped to care for the person suffering from it.

Create a Routine

Creating a routine can help a patient get into a pattern which he or she will remember, and thus, the confusion of uncertainty will fade. Establishing a regular schedule will help an Alzheimer’s patient feel more comfortable as it would help to instil a sense of familiarity. In most cases, there are certain alterations that have to be made into the daily regimen, and adapting to it immediately could seem difficult. As patients take time getting used to new routines, thus, the changes should be implemented gradually.

Plan Activities 

Having Alzheimer’s may have a huge impact on a person’s mental health and he or she may start having doubts about their own competence in even the simplest of tasks. Therefore, to keep their spirits up and keep them stimulated, it is important to plan activities that will engage and keep them happy. The objective is to create an air of cheer, thus, simple games and things to do like baking, dancing, board games, etc. would be a few of the leisurely pursuits which they will be able to enjoy wholeheartedly.

Assisted Living

In some cases, a patient may require assisted living for better recovery. Communities offering assisted living help to provide seniors with a fixed daily routine. The personal care is extended to eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, continence, and mobility. Such activities of daily living in the house are also inclusive with many social engagement activities which are also shared and participated by others having similar health conditions. This helps to promote a healthy lifestyle, something which may not seem possible living at home on their own.

Balanced and Nutritious Diet

Last but not least, at this stage of life, the body undergoes several changes. As this ailment gradually progresses, it may result in weight loss if the patient begins losing track of their food. Good nutrition can make the person feel more energetic than their usual self. Hence, it is important to ensure that he or she is having a balanced diet of grains, green leafy vegetables, fruits, meat, poultry, and legumes. Also, it would help to have a nutritionist make a customized diet chart to keep up with the medications and the regular routine.

Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s can bring a range of sentiments and sometimes may even feel overwhelming. However, this is the time when such people need your love and care the most. With knowledge and patience, you can care for such a person with a lot of ease and convenience. We hope that you find this piece of content worthy of your read.

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