How to Care for Loved One’s with Alzheimer’s in Clearwater, FL, Holiday, FL, & Temple Terrace, FL
More than 16 million Americans offer unpaid care for persons suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.
Caring for a loved one can be a joyful experience, but it is not without its difficulties. These difficulties can be far more difficult for those caring for a senior with Alzheimer’s disease or another kind of dementia. Behavior changes can occur for a variety of causes, including overstimulation, physical discomfort, disorientation, and weariness induced by sleep problems, medicines, or changes in habit.
Understanding the underlying causes of behavioral changes is crucial for caregivers, families, and friends. It’s also beneficial for caregivers to understand how to manage behaviors that will allow them to provide safe and effective support while also defusing difficult situations.
Among these behaviors are:
- Depression
- Anxiety &/or Confusion
- Suspicion of aggression or anger
- Hallucinations
- Wandering or pacing
The most crucial thing caretakers must remember is that problematic behaviors are not always completely avoidable. It’s also not the individual suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia’s fault. These actions are occasionally a side effect of the condition. There is also specialist support available to caregivers to help minimize a troublesome behavior from escalating.
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution that will work for every individual or situation, there are some techniques that can assist carers in dealing with difficult situations:
- Keeping your cool – Caregivers who are caring for someone who exhibits problematic behaviors are not unusual to feel assaulted or helpless. Remembering that it isn’t personal and that it is a sign of the condition might assist carers in managing their emotions and avoiding contributing to tense or stressful situations. Arguing or reasoning can typically escalate an outburst, so caregivers must remain calm and supportive.
- Keeping a schedule – For seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, having a defined plan for meals, activities, and daily responsibilities can be reassuring. Making a routine and adhering to it as much as possible can assist to reduce worry, confusion, and rage.
- Exercise – With a doctor’s approval, exercise may be a terrific stress reliever for both elders and carers. Participating in activities together also aids in the development of essential emotional bonds.
- Taking part in activities – Participating in pleasurable tasks, whether it’s a fun hobby, a household chore, or a doctor-recommended workout, has been demonstrated to assist manage troublesome behaviors. These might be pre-scheduled or introduced when challenging behaviors are observed. Caregivers, for example, can ask for assistance folding laundry to alleviate anxiety, or they can play music or sing to soothe someone who is confused, angry, or unhappy.
Caregivers should not overlook the importance of mindful communication. Caregivers can convey normalcy, understanding, and compassion by using soothing tones, speaking in a friendly manner, and making eye contact. This might help seniors who are feeling anxious or frustrated to relax.
Contact EasyLiving
At EasyLiving, we provide specific training for our caregivers as well as individualized care plans to seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. Our carefully trained EasyLiving staff engages clients in intellectual, physical, and emotional interactions that supplement medical treatment and increase the quality of life for all concerned. In addition, as part of an in-home assessment, they can encourage stress management exercises, give support for physician-approved diet and exercise plans, provide transportation to appointments, and inspect a home for safety. Contact your local EasyLiving office today for more information on how in-home caring might benefit persons suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
