Recieve a call from our psychologists in the next 30 mins to understand your treatment options better
Recieve a call from our psychologists in the next 30 mins to understand your treatment options better
20 September,2016 | Reading Time: 3 minutes
This blog throws the light on how to care for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affects the person’s brain which brings changes in the person’s physical, mental and emotional health. As the symptoms get worse over time it becomes hard for the patient to carry out normal daily tasks such as cooking or bathing. Here someone is needed to care for them.
Taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s disease is not an easy task. As the symptoms progress they become more difficult to handle. Due to their memory loss, they may not remember people and places this makes situations harder for them. Here are a few ways that can help you take care of your loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease.
Learning about Alzheimer’s will give the caregiver information about how the progressive illness brings changes. Learning about them will make the caregiver aware of these changes and will help cope more easily with these changes. Also educating other family members about the illness would help them understand the patient’s condition and support them when needed.
As the symptoms progress, the individual will lack the ability to do tasks around the house. In this case, the caregiver can take few measures to ensure the person’s safety:
The patient, as a result of the symptoms, may become unable to take care of their health. A caregiver should make sure that the patient, regularly, engages in some kind of physical exercise. This would make their muscles and joints stronger. If possible the caregiver can join the patient in these activities or add music to make it fun.
With the reduction in abilities, the patient may not be able to handle finance matter. A caregiver can look into these matters for them. Since the patients are vulnerable there may be frauds who would try to trap the patient into the financial matter. A caregiver has to make sure that the patient is financially safe and away from these kinds of incidents.
Caregivers can set a timetable for the patient with the help of the doctor and make sure they follow it. This would keep the patient busy and will help prevent feelings of hopelessness and loneliness. Caregivers should also make sure they take their medications and therapies on time.
Taking care of a chronically ill patient can be mentally and physically exhausting. Caregivers need to first take care of themselves. They can join support groups or programs to help them cope with everyday challenges of taking care of an Alzheimer's patient.
With all discussed above, motivating, being empathetic, encouraging and supporting the patient is necessary in all stages. If a caregiver feels that they are not able to take care of the patient it is better than they ask for a full-time professional help. Another alternative is to look for Alzheimer's care facility where everything can be planned around their needs and requirements.
Taking care of an individual with AD can be very exhausting as the symptoms progress. However, the above-mentioned tips can help. While taking care of the patient the caregiver needs to ensure that their physical and mental needs are addressed first in order to them the patient. For more details call us @ +91 97414 76476 or visit us www.cadabamshospitals.com