Although it’s highly gratifying, taking care of an aging spouse, friend, or relative can be stressful even on the best days. When that loved one has Alzheimer’s, it can ratchet your stress level to the breaking point as you try to keep them safe and comfortable while managing unpredictable behaviors. Implementing the following caregiving tips will help ensure your loved one receives the nurturing they deserve without compromising your health and well-being.
Alzheimer’s May Cause These Unusual Behaviors
Some of the biggest challenges when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s are the behavior and personality changes that often occur.
Although not every Alzheimer’s patient exhibits the same behaviors, these are some of the more common ones you can expect as the disease progresses:
- Wandering
- Incontinence
- Agitation
- Repetitive Speech or Actions (Perseveration)
- Paranoia
- Sleep Issues/Sundowning
- Eating/Nutrition Issues
- Bathing Issues
- Hallucinations
How to Care for Someone with Alzheimer’s
When caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, remember to maintain your sense of humor and not take things personally no matter how bizarre or irrational their behavior becomes.
That said, be sure to include these five points in your behavior management strategy:
Speak with their doctor
Behavioral issues sometimes result from an underlying medical cause. For instance, certain medications can induce side effects that directly or indirectly alter mood and behavior. Before jumping to conclusions, ask their doctor if a medical issue could be the problem.
Accept who they have become
Your loved one has a brain disorder that shapes who they have become. Trying to change or control their behavior will often result in resistance and failure. Instead, try to accommodate the behavior without controlling it. That might require you to change your behavior or physical environment. For example, if your loved one insists on watching the same TV shows or movies every night, let them do it.
Minimize behavior triggers
You must understand that all behavior is triggered and occurs for a reason. It might be something a person does or says that triggers a behavior or could be a change in the physical environment. Any change to their established patterns could cause them to get agitated or even aggressive. Try a different approach or a different consequence instead.
Adjust your care strategy accordingly
The only constant when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is that things will constantly change. Due to factors that include the natural progression of the disease, methods that are successful today may need to be tweaked tomorrow or the next day. In some cases, they may no longer work at all. Managing difficult behaviors over time will require a creative and flexible strategic approach that addresses the same issue.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help
Like the one you are caring for, there will be good days and bad. It’s vital when assisting someone with Alzheimer’s to not go it alone. Information sources such as caregiver support groups, your local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, or friends who work in the healthcare field can all be invaluable when the level of care needed exceeds your expertise.
At some point, it may become necessary to hire a professional in-home caregiver so your loved one can safely remain in the comfortable and familiar surroundings of their – or your – private residence. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to accept your limitations and seek outside assistance before it’s too late.
Quality In-Home Alzheimer’s Care for Families in Bedford, MA
When you need a break, finding someone trustworthy to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming. At Assisting Hands Home Care in Bedford, MA, our professional in-home senior care services allow clients in the greater Boston area to remain safely and comfortably in their own homes – including those with Alzheimer’s. Our trained, dependable caregivers and personal assistants can help your family overcome its eldercare challenges while making your loved one’s home an even better place to be.
Our turnkey home care services include everything from companionship, meal preparation, medication reminders, and transportation to light housekeeping, laundry, and personal care assistance with bathing and dressing. From a few hours a day to around-the-clock care, our customized in-home care solutions have got your family covered. Click here now to learn more about Assisting Hands Home Care or schedule a free consultation for a senior in Northwest Boston.
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