Alzheimer’s Care Tips for Your Loved One
Being an in home elderly caregiver can be a stressful job regardless of the type of patient you’re caring for. However, dealing with patients who have Alzheimer’s adds an added layer of stress to the situation. To reduce stress on yourself and your patient, and to provide the best care possible, follow these four Atlanta Alzheimer’s care tips.
1. Have Patience with Alzheimer’s Patient
Alzheimer’s patients are dealing with a difficult transition in their lives. They can quickly become disoriented or emotional, and challenging to work with throughout the day. As a senior homecare provider, your patience is key to helping them get through their frustrations and complete any tasks requested of them. Remember, however difficult it may seem for you, the situation is even more frustrating for them.
2. Give Simple, Easy-to-Follow Instructions
Since it is very easy for an Alzheimer’s patient to become confused and disoriented, it is important that whatever you ask of them is given in clear, simple instructions. If possible, ask everything in a yes or no fashion. Also, break down larger tasks into small steps that are easy to follow and grasp. If necessary, help them through their tasks or offer visual or verbal clues to help them complete tasks they are struggling to finish.
3. Be Prepared for Behavioral Changes
Alzheimer’s patients can experience severe behavioral changes and mood swings. Common behavioral changes in dementia patients can include violent outbursts, temper tantrums, hoarding and stealing. As an in home senior caregiver, you need to have a plan to deal with any extreme changes in behavior you may experience. There are several methods you can use to help your patient calm down and relax. Remember not to take any outbursts personally. Alzheimer’s patients are struggling with their new reality and these outbursts are just a part of that transition.
4. Help Maintain Patient’s Nutrition
As a caregiver for a patient who has Alzheimer’s, maintaining their diet will be an essential part of your job. Alzheimer’s patients often suffered from disordered eating, whether they are eating too much, too little or not at all. Meal times can be difficult for patients’ palates and hunger levels drastically change. To make it a less stressful experience for you and your loved one, provide simple meals without many options that still meet all the daily nutrients for the mind and body health they require.
Conclusion
Finally, if you’re looking for in home elderly care in the Atlanta area, Angel Companions has the best senior homecare providers that will care for your loved ones in their home, or wherever they prefer to live so that they “may age in place.” Contact us so we can help you find the right senior caregiver for your family’s needs.
Angel Companions Senior Care services all 27 metro Atlanta counties including the cities of Decatur, Woodstock, Peachtree City, Stockbridge, Buford & Lawrenceville.
If you have any questions please use our contact page form or call us today at 770-579-5000!