Tips for Alzheimer’s caregivers... Mary Clark, Ph.D., http://mediwriter.com
The devastation of Alzheimer’s Disease (Alzheimer's disease) affects millions of families in the United States. Alzheimer’s Disease costs can be measured in mental, physical, emotional, and financial terms. Perhaps the greatest toll is exacted on the primary caregiver, who tends to a loved one requiring progressively more attention and eventually total care. However, when caring for an Alzheimer's disease patient at home, there are some things that you can do to make the patient’s life safer and more enjoyable while helping to preserve your own mental, emotional, and physical health.
For example, bathing and dressing a person with Alzheimer's disease beyond the early disease stages can be stressful, especially if he or she has become combative or otherwise uncooperative. However a little planning can help a lot. Try to make sure that all bathing materials (soap, shampoo, washcloth, towels) are within easy reach, so that you will not need to leave the patient unattended even momentarily. Safety issues also become more important. To lessen the chance of the patient slipping or falling, try placing a rubber mat or decals on the floor of the bath tub. Grab bars and shower seats may also be helpful. They can be purchased at most any medical supply store. You may want to lower the temperature of the hot water in your heater to reduce the chance of scalding. Keep all medications and toxic substances in a locked cabinet. Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease often cannot distinguish edible from inedible items.
When you are dressing the patient with Alzheimer's disease, clothing that can be pulled or slipped on makes the task less of an ordeal for everyone. When buying shirts, look for roomy neck openings that will fit easily over the head. In general, Velcro(R) is wonderful; tiny buttons and strings needing tying are not. Clothing that will hold up well with repeated washing is a must. Limit the use of jewelry for patients in the later stages of Alzheimer's disease--particularly items of great value or that could cause injury to the patient (e.g., pins, dangling earrings).
Life in the kitchen can be made less confusing for the Alzheimer's disease patient by putting labels on drawers (reading ability often seems to be retained relatively late in the disease). If you are concerned about the safety of the patient when he or she is near the stove, try removing the knobs when you are not using the stove. Choosing “finger” foods and those requiring a minimum of cutting will allow your loved one to continue to feed him or herself for a longer period of time. Use of a bib or some sort of covering over clothing saves on the trips to the washer!
Although patients in the later stages of Alzheimer's disease can no longer participate in many of the activities they once enjoyed, you can tailor recreation to their abilities. Most patients will enjoy music especially from the period when they were young. Dancing is enjoyable for some patients and helps to keep them nimble. Taking a walk can provide exercise and relieve stress for both you and your loved one. Many Alzheimer's disease patients seem to enjoy looking at photographs, either from magazines or family albums. Photos of family members may help patients to remember names of relatives as well as their own place in the family. Finally, allow your loved one ready access to “comfort” items that seem to help him or her feel secure. For example, some patients with Alzheimer's disease seem to be calmed by holding a doll, a stuffed animal, or a favorite photo.
If your loved one begins to “wander,” it may be time to install some new locks; persons with Alzheimer's disease beyond the early disease stages generally cannot learn to operate even simple new devices. An identification bracelet (including at least a name, phone number, and medical conditions) is a good idea. Although it may feel uncomfortable to share the Alzheimer's disease diagnosis with neighbors, it provides some peace of mind knowing that they can be on the alert if they see your loved one out alone. Finally, supervised exercise may help dissipate pent-up energy and minimize wandering in some patients.
When you need help, ask for it. Making life easier on yourself will probably allow your loved one to stay home longer. Day Care for Alzheimer's disease patients is available in many communities. The fee is often on a sliding scale. This service can give you a much-needed break as well as offer mental and social stimulation to the patient. “Respite care” (i.e., a short-term stay at a nursing home) can allow you time to vacation with family or “recharge” in other ways. Don’t be shy about asking for help from friends, family, neighbors, church members, etc.--they usually want to help. Lastly, a book that you may find helpful in identifying additional resources is “The 36-hour Day” by Nancy Mace and Peter Rabins (1981).
Above all, take care of yourself. Be alert for signs of depression in yourself (e.g., lack of appetite, sleeping too much, uncontrollable crying, guilt, suicidal thoughts). If such symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, see your doctor. Depression is not a sign of weakness. When you have free time, try to spend some of it with friends; church groups; and civic, sporting, or social clubs, etc. As a care giver, you run a great risk of becoming very isolated and of giving up activities that you value. Support groups for Alzheimer's disease caregivers can be very helpful. Sharing ideas in caregiving, and expressing feelings with those in the same situation may be more comfortable than sharing with family and friends. Most cities have multiple groups listed in the newspaper, or call your local Alzheimer’s Association. Attendance at such a group can help alleviate the feeling that you are alone in your problem; you are not.
The above "Tips for Alzheimer’s caregivers..." was written by:
Mary Clark, Ph.D., http://mediwriter.com
Disclaimer--the above is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding medical treatment.
