Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that causes the individual to lose his/her cognitive abilities. Alzheimer’s poses a challenge to the caregiver since the disease impacts the patient in many ways and the caregiver has to figure out how best to address the patient.
In the later stages of the disease, people are unable to perform activities of daily living, and experience memory impairment and confusion, which demand that they be cared for by professionals. This article will discuss features of alzheimer’s care with an emphasis on how good care takers should take care of the patient.
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
One must have some knowledge of the disease before they start offering Alzheimer’s care. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for over 60% of dementia cases and it occurs in people with advanced age. This disease has symptoms that increase from simple memory loss to difficulty performing complex tasks.
Some of the symptoms may entail confusion, unpredictable changes in mood, changes in behavior, and even difficulties in carrying out familiar tasks. Currently, there is no known treatment for Alzheimer’s and therefore no way of reversing the disease, but effective management of the symptoms of the illness leads to patients having better quality of life.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment
It is a fact that safety is always a priority, especially in the case of a patient with Alzheimer’s disease. With cognitive changes, a person with Alzheimer’s may become more vulnerable to getting lost, confused, or even having accidents. To lower such risks, caregivers should ensure they develop a safe environment that will help their loved ones. This can be as simple as fixing safety locks, eliminating obstacles on the floor, or placing signs to differentiate between rooms. Another way in which it can be helpful is that it removes anxiety and confusion, so the surroundings feel comfortable and secure.
Establishing a Routine for Daily Care
Diet is particularly important in Alzheimer’s since it can become a real issue due to confusion, which should be prevented through a structured schedule. Meal activity and care schedules enable people to comprehend what is likely to happen next thus decreasing anxiety.
At the same time, each caregiver should work with the individual according to his or her capabilities and try to include the simplest tasks that can be deemed completed within the day. Of course, it helps to listen to some music, have light exercise, take a walk around the house, and do something like that.
Emotional and Psychological Support for Patients
Alzheimer’s does a lot more than just impair the brain’s ability to think and remember; it also influences a person’s well-being. This contributes to feelings of frustration, anxiety, or even depression as patients try to come to terms with the changes the disease brings. Caregivers should be effective in comforting patients. It is also important for caregivers to be patient with their fellows, to convince them, and also be kind in the way that they communicate. The validation therapy that comprises embracing the patient’s emotions can be efficient.