Alzheimer is a propagative disease that commonly affects the brain and causes dementia. Alzheimer damages the brain and this affects almost all the brain functions. The aged people who are over 55 years are the most affected individuals. Taking care of Alzheimer patient is a difficult task as these patients will need your whole attention making it a full time job. People suffering from Alzheimer will require help even in the smallest tasks that they do as they cannot operate on their own. With that said, the following points will help you care for someone with Alzheimer.
Creating a safe environment is the first way of caring for someone with Alzheimer. This is very important as this diseases impairs that patient’s memory and judgment thus increasing the risk of them being dangerous to themselves and to others too. You are therefore required to get rid of any object that can be harmful to them and lock cabinets that contain anything that they can use to cause harm Guns and alcohol should be kept far away from their reach.
The other way of caring for someone with Alzheimer is to ensure that you create good communication with them. Having good communication with someone suffering from Alzheimer is essential as it reduces the chances of them getting further confusion and frustrations. You are therefore advised that you give the patient simple and clear instructions as you work with them in every phase. It is even better if you are able to come up with individual signals that they may use when they need help from you. When you are communicating with your patient, ensure that you reduce any destruction such as switching off the TV in order to make the communication easier.
The third way of caring for someone with Alzheimer is maximizing the patient’s independence. When someone suffering from Alzheimer losses independency, they become more frustrated and this is likely to have a great impact on them. Threefore, in order for the patient to feel like they also have control, you need to ensure that you work together with them. You should also offer them with choice and do not overwhelm them with your decisions.
Familiarizing yourself with the patient’s emotions and feelings is the last way that you can care for someone with Alzheimer. This is frustrating and distressing condition and that is why you need to go slow on the patient and also show them that you understand both their feelings and emotions. Therefore, ensure that you show them the love that they need and support them in every step of their conditions.