Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease that mainly affects elderly people. The main symptoms include forgetfulness and confusion. It can be a very difficult disease for patients to come to terms with, and it can also put an extra strain on their relatives, as they will need to have a lot of around the clock care and attention. When sufferers start to find simple tasks difficult to manage, they often become frustrated and can lash out at the people around them. It certainly isn’t easy for anyone who is around an Alzheimer’s patient.
But, thankfully, there are certain things you can do to make things easier for both you and your relative who you are caring for. You just need to remember these tips.
Always Be Patient
It is perfectly fine to care for an Alzheimer’s patient at home during the first stages of the disease. However, rather than leaving them at home alone, it is a good idea to get them to move in with you. If you do this, it is important that you are always patient with them, especially if they tend to get frustrated at themselves. People who suffer from Alzheimer’s will find it increasingly difficult to remember names and important information, as well as find it tricky to carry out what were once simple tasks. You need to give them plenty of time whenever they attempt to do anything so that they can complete their tasks. Trying to rush them will only make them distressed.
Get Some Home Help
You will no doubt find it very stressful caring for an elderly relative. The fact that they suffer from Alzheimer’s will only add to your stress and make things a lot harder! But you don’t have to go it alone as there are now lots of care companies who specialize in helping people who are caring for alzheimers sufferers. More often than not, they will send nurses around to your home to examine the patient and ensure that they are still OK to be at home. They can also help them carry out daily tasks such as getting dressed and having a wash. This then benefits you as it allows you to take a break and refresh your batteries!
Create A Daily Routine
People with Alzheimer’s really benefit from having a routine to follow every day, so it is worth planning one that you can both stick to. By doing so, you will also make sure that they don’t get confused quite as much. This can be super easy, as you just need to schedule certain times for tasks, such as meals, bathing, and medical appointments. These routines shouldn’t be set in concrete, though. The both of you will find that there are many advantages to making the routines fairly flexible so that you can be spontaneous whenever you want to be.
If you ever find that caring for an Alzheimer’s patient is too much, don’t forget that there are people who you can turn to for help.
