Alzheimer’s Disease- Caring for Elderly Parents at Home

Once your parents are at an advanced age, it can be a challenge to figure out how to provide the best care for them. Especially for those who are suffering from Alzheimer's Disease or any other such progressive conditions.  

In India, more than 4 million people are estimated to be suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, giving the country the third highest caseload of elderly progressive conditions in the world. Most often than not, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s go undiagnosed as they are viewed as common old-age symptoms. Early identification and timely intervention is needed to manage symptoms of Alzheimer’s better. 

We at Cadabams, with our 28+ years of experience coupled with an expert multispeciality team ensure that we curate individualised plans that focus on holistic treatment and recovery. We are the only psychiatric institution in India to be recognised and supported by CNTW and NHS.

For any support or queries, reach out to us on our 24x7 elderly care helpline @ +91 97414 76476, or mail us at info@cadabams.org.

Read this blog to find out tips on caring for Alzheimer parent at home. 

At this point in time, there is no cure for Alzheimer's, and there really are no medications that will stop the disease in its tracks. The best course of action is to provide an environment where their needs can be taken care of and where there is less danger of risks. An elder care home can provide the kind of therapy, medication, activities and personalized attention that a patient needs at advanced stages. It can also help reduce the emotional and physical toll that it takes on the ward or family member who has to be available for the patient 24X7.

However, if you take the decision to care for your elderly parents or grandparents with Alzheimers at home, then here is a guide to help you prove the best care possible. 

A Caregiver's Guide for Alzheimer's Patients

Here are tips to assist your elderly parents with Alzheimer's Disease

• Learn about Alzheimer's disease
  Understanding the stages of Alzheimer’s and their associated symptoms will help you plan ahead in advance. The problem arises when uncertainty hits, but if you are prepared beforehand, it can help in better management of the disease.
• Create their daily routine and plan activities
  

 This will help them build a sense of familiarity that they are being cared for. Plan out their indoor and outdoor activities so that they can cope with the loneliness that comes with sitting at home. 

• Be open to communication

Alzheimer’s can significantly impact your parent's ability to communicate with others. They may have difficulty interpreting or remembering things. Help them express themselves using different ways of communication such as memory cards, sign and body language, etc. 

• Help them get a nutritious diet

It is important to understand their dietary needs and prepare meal plans accordingly. Ask their healthcare provider about the right diet that can help them stay healthy. 

• Keep them safe

Everyday situations can be hard for Alzheimer's patients. They may not distinguish between what is dangerous for them and put themselves at risk. They may not understand signs such as wet floors or stepping stairs, etc.

• Ask a healthcare professional

You can always seek professional help on how to care for a parent with Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer patients experience physical and emotional changes, and over time, their memories disappear or skills erode. Their health calls for continuous 24- hour support and care from qualified professionals. 

As Alzheimer's reaches the advanced stages, they may not be able to walk or handle any personal care, become vulnerable to infections,  hallucinations, incontinence, not eat on their own, suffer mood swings, etc. In your role as a caregiver, you will likely have to manage all this. 

Since the caregiving demands are so extensive in the later stages, it may not be easy for you to provide the right care for your loved one alone especially if they need assistance with the routine activities, such as bathing, dressing, eating. 

In such cases, it is better to move to a care facility such as nursing or elder home care that is equipped with custodial and medical care for people with alzheimer. The right service not only offers a familiar and monitored environment but also compassionate and trustworthy caregivers to offer the best quality care to your parents. 

Seek Best Alzheimer's Treatments for elderly parents

It may become tough for you to manage the needs of your parents with Alzheimer’s all by yourself. You can always receive assistance from professional caregivers. There are a gamut of services to offer caregiving services for Alzheimer patients. Depending upon the patient's health and the care they need, you can choose from homecare services and professional nursing centres. 

In-home care includes a wide range of services provided in the home, rather than in a hospital or care facility. In the advanced stages, because of degenerative health conditions associated such as reduced mobility, it is good to pick in home care service. You can avail the best treatment from the comfort of your own home.   

Why Cadabams for Alzheimer's Patient Care

If you are looking for Alzheimers management in the elderly, let Cadabams lend a helping hand. We, at Cadabams, offer a comprehensive treatment approach to people suffering from Alzheimers and to assist their caregivers. 

We offer physical and cognitive rehabilitation for better management and steady recovery. Our compassionate caregivers assist families in dealing with stressful situations that may arise due to their loved one’s health conditions. Our Family Therapists ensure that the caregiver’s needs are also met and equip them to aid in their loved ones recovery journey.   

Our holistic care program is inclusive of psychotherapy from some of the best specialists in India. Cadabams is dedicated to elderly care and our Amitha Campus is one such brainchild of Cadabam’s rehabilitative care. Set up in the year 1992, Amitha  is a personalized rehabilitation  center nestled near Bangalore that aids rehabilitative goals for various psychiatric illnesses including elderly care.

Alzheimers Care FAQs

Q1: I’m new to caregiving, from where I should start?

Ans: Caregiving can be overwhelming, especially when you are starting out. First, work on the needs of your parents. What type of care do they need? Look for resources such as home health care or adult day care centers. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a professional, it’ll equip you better.  

Q2: What are the suggestions for caregivers of Alzheimer parents?

Ans: Being their caregivers you have to be patient and flexible. Your role increases as the disease progresses. Take help from your family and friends, this will help deal with the challenges and frustrations that may accompany in the later stages. Seeking medical assistance will help with caregiving.

Q3: At what stage do Alzheimer patients need 24 hour care?

Ans: There may come a time when Alzheimer patients need more care than what is being given at home. This primarily happens in the middle stages of Alzheimer when supervision is required to keep the person safe.