Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disease that slowly robs an individual of memory and thinking skills. Eventually, the senior will be unable to perform even basic tasks independently. Caregivers should support their aging loved one through the various stages of the disease.

In the United States, it is estimated that six million people live with Alzheimer’s disease. Most of these affected individuals are aged 65 and older. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia and the seventh leading cause of death in the country.

How does Alzheimer’s progress?

Memory is one of the first abilities to be impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, although the initial symptoms vary from person to person. Early symptoms may also include a decline in cognitive functions not related to memory, such as word finding, vision and spatial issues, or impaired judgement.

When Alzheimer’s is mild, seniors may wander, get lost, or have trouble paying bills. In the moderate stage of the disease, they may have trouble recognizing the faces of family and friends. People with severe Alzheimer’s cannot communicate, as the plaques and tangles in their brain have spread.

The various stages of Alzheimer’s disease affect a senior over the course of several years. When Alzheimer’s progresses to severe—the shortest stage of the disease—the elderly dementia patient depends entirely on a caregiver to complete the activities of daily living.

How do caregivers support their loved one?

As their disease worsens, older adults experience greater memory loss and other cognitive challenges. Families, friends, caregivers, and professionals are important sources of support in helping Alzheimer’s patients enhance their daily routines, improve their communication, and promote their overall comfort.

Tip 1: Establish Routine

Seniors living with Alzheimer’s disease thrive in the predictability of routine. Set a consistent daily schedule where meals are served at a specific time, baths are given on particular days, and bedtime occurs at a certain hour. Routine helps dementia patients feel secure and less confused.

Tip 2: Simplify Communication

Communication skills become more difficult for people with Alzheimer’s disease, making it necessary to simplify language. Speak clearly and slowly to the senior, giving them ample time to process the words. Ask simple questions to help them better understand and increase the chances of a response.

Tip 3: Enhance Safety

Since vision issues emerge in Alzheimer’s patients, it’s important to create a safe environment where fall-risks are eliminated. Secure furniture as well as loose rugs, which can be trip hazards. Remove clutter to prevent falls. Improve safety by installing handrails or grab bars in the bathroom.

Tip 4: Schedule Exercise

Regular physical activity should be a part of an Alzheimer’s patient’s routine. Exercise is shown to have a positive effect on cognitive function and general well-being. Choose simple activities that are within the senior’s capabilities, such as walking, stretching, gardening, or light aerobics.

Tip 5: Provide Mental Stimulation

Help the senior maintain cognitive abilities by engaging in mentally stimulating activities. Enjoyable pastimes include puzzles and memory games. Play music, which is a skill that Alzheimer’s patients retain. Read to the aging adult, which is entertaining for both the senior and the caregiver.

Tip 6: Rely on Visual Cues

Caregivers help promote independence in their aging loved one by giving them visual cues. Seniors who struggle with remembering where utensils are stored respond well to labels on kitchen drawers. Pictures and easy-to-read signs are also useful to direct them to important rooms or objects.

Tip 7: Join a Support Group

Caring for an older adult with Alzheimer’s can be a struggle. Participating in a support group for Alzheimer’s caregivers can be a source of good advice, tips, and encouragement. Group members who share stories, experiences, and similar challenges empower other caregivers.

Why is in-home memory care recommended?

Familiarity is soothing for seniors with Alzheimer’s, making in-home memory care the ideal option. In a home environment, older adults are surrounded by family photos and cherished mementos that offer a sense of security and comfort.

Supporting someone with Alzheimer’s disease requires respecting their personal space. This can best be achieved in a familiar space like home, rather than a busy memory care facility. Also recommended is consistently serving meals in a familiar place; home is the best setting to encourage them to eat.

Seniors also receive personalized care when it is provided at home. Caregivers who are trained to provide in-home memory care are skilled in supporting their everyday non-medical needs, from hygiene to transportation and medication reminders. Plus, home care keeps seniors at home.

When a senior receives an Alzheimer’s diagnosis or families begin to notice that their aging loved one is losing their ability to handle basic tasks independently due to their disease, compassionate in-home memory care from Assisting Hands Home Care is invaluable.

We provide quality memory care services to seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our caregivers are highly trained professionals who are able to both identify and manage dementia symptoms, such as agitation, incontinence, and wandering. We also offer basic home care.

Caregivers accompany aging care recipients who wander, for instance, to keep them safe and ensure they do not exit the home. We discreetly assist dementia patients with incontinence issues, keeping them clean and comfortable. Caregivers use distraction techniques to address agitation.

Mental stimulation is a big part of memory care. Our caregivers engage seniors socially by holding conversations and taking them on outings. We stimulate their minds with games, puzzles, and craft projects. Since Alzheimer’s patients respond to music, we play their favorite tunes.

In addition to memory care, Assisting Hands Home Care professionals help with the activities of daily living. We prepare nutritious meals and ensure hydration. Our light housekeeping services maintain a clean home. Caregivers assess the home for hazards and clear areas of clutter.

Once an Alzheimer’s diagnosis has been made, choose Assisting Hands Home Care for exceptional dementia care. We serve the elderly in Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Royal Palm Beach, Wellington FL and the surrounding areas. Call us at (561) 566-5989  to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation and learn how our customized care fully supports your aging loved one.

Disclaimer: Our caregivers are not specialized in memory, but they are trained to provide assistance with daily needs.