| What is AD? |
| Causes |
| Symptoms |
| Stages |
| Treatments |
| Caregiving |
| Be Knowledgeable |
| Plan Ahead |
| Tips for Success |
| You're not Alone |
| Finding a Home |
| In the News |
| Links |
Caregivers
Being a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can often times be a challenge physically, emotionally, and financially. It takes a lot of time, patience, understanding, sacrifice, and above all love.
Be Knowledgeable
First of all, knowledge is power. Learn as much as you can about the disease with which your loved one has been diagnosed with. Become aware of the causes, treatments, stages, and prevention of the disease. Visit your local library and search the internet; there are many publications about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia that will better help you understand what to expect. Join a support group and talk to successful caregivers, especially individuals who have cared for someone with dementia. They can provide more specific information than any book and give you emotional support as well. Also, find a doctor for your loved one that you trust and are comfortable with and develop a good relationship with him/her. Be fearless in asking your doctor questions, especially if you don’t understand something. The more you know about the disease, the more you will understand and empathize with your loved one, and you will be more prepared for the road ahead.
Plan Ahead
Because of the extreme difficulties you might face from being a caregiver for an individual with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, it is a good idea to plan ahead. There are many legal issues that need to be addressed for your loved one. First, a guardian for your loved one can and should be appointed by the courts. This can be done when the person in question is no longer competent and is unable to take care of himself/herself and/or his/her estate. Next, complete a last will and testament if one hasn’t been drafted already. Then, compose a living will. This allows the patient’s wishes concerning medical treatment and death to be followed even after the individual is unable to speak for himself/herself. Find an attorney who specializes in family law or mental health law to help you draft the documents.
It is also important in the early stages of the disease to find a few care facilities for your loved one even if you don’t think you will be placing this individual in the future. It will be easier and less stressful to learn about the facilities in your area before the probable time comes for placement. Some care facilities may also provide respite or day care. Take tours and note your likes and dislikes of each one. See more information on this topic below under Find a Facility.
Tips for Success
Most individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s recognize some degree of their disease. In early stages, Alzheimer’s patients often feel alienated, lonely, and fear but may find joy in the simple things of life. Even though this awareness of declining function gradually diminishes, it can be useful to comprehend what your loved one might actually be feeling. With this comprehension you can better understand certain behaviors and improve upon your own care giving. Be perceptive and try to let your loved one be as independent as possible for as long as possible. When you do help, explain what you are going to do before you do it. Try to put yourself in their shoes.
Learn how to communicate with your loved one. When talking to someone with dementia, establish eye contact, be direct and specific, and make your statements literal. Saying, “go jump in bed” might be confusing. Use a relaxed and warm tone of voice, reduce background noise, and repeat or rephrase if necessary. Do not try and reason with your loved one; remember, they don’t think they are being unreasonable. Also, try to identify what might frustrate your loved one when you are trying to communicate, and change your behavior.
Establish a daily routine, change can often be stressful for an individual with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Comfort comes from predictability. Writing down your daily schedule and placing it somewhere visual may also help preserve some brain function.
Activities also can give your loved one some comfort. Choose simple activities that he/she once enjoyed doing such as gardening, using safe tools, folding laundry, or socializing. Many individuals also find tranquility in petting something or cradling a baby.
Your loved one’s behavior and personality may change a lot, even from one minute to the next. Often certain behaviors have underlying issues. For example, repetitive tasks may be a sign of discomfort. Maybe he needs to use the restroom, or perhaps she is cold. Try to identify if and what the cause is for certain behaviors. If your loved one becomes extremely frustrated or the situation is tense, try diverting his/her attention by changing the subject or distracting with a comforting activity.
It is also important to make your home safe. Make sure doors and windows securely lock. People with dementia often wander away from home and forget where they were going or how to get back. Also, keep cleaners and other harmful substances inaccessible. Sometimes household cleaners can be confused for something eatable. Eventually, it will no longer be safe for your loved one to drive a vehicle. You may need to distract away from driving or even hide the car keys. Furthermore, as immobility increases you may want to remove obtrusive furniture and rugs and install handrails or wheelchair ramps.
You’re not alone
You are part of a care team. When your loved one is first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, involve the entire family. Those family and friends who are willing to help should also educate themselves about the disease and how to take care of the patient. Take breaks, allow those family members to help and ask for help, you don’t have to do it all. Furthermore, respite care can allow you to take a break for several hours or even several days.
Also find aid in support groups. You will be able to obtain empathy, release emotions, and even learn different methods of care. You can find support groups in your area through the Alzheimer’s Association or click here for Ashley Manor’s support group page.
Your doctor is also part of the care team. Make sure your loved one visits the doctor frequently. Discuss any problems with medications or behavior. You should also visit your doctor. Have a physical regularly to ensure your own physical and mental health. You cannot be a good caregiver unless you are healthy yourself.
You have decided to take care of your loved one, take pride in your accomplishments and your courage. You need a positive attitude, sense of humor, and a lot patience. Be aware of your limitation and alternatives, take breaks, ask for help, and do the best you can.
Finding a Assisted Living Facility
The time might come when being the caregiver for your loved one has become too much and you need to place him/her in a health care facility. When looking for permanent or respite care, do your homework. Take tours at many different homes. Ask questions about the care facilities philosophy, credentials, and cost. Be vigilant about the cleanliness of the home and the care of current residents. Try to imagine your loved one living there. Would he rather be in a secluded environment or one with many social opportunities? Will she be able to make her room feel like home? Is the staff qualified for his level of care? Compose a checklist of observations to make and questions to ask, or use a complimentary checklist from Ashley Manor.
Being a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can often times be a challenge physically, emotionally, and financially. It takes a lot of time, patience, understanding, sacrifice, and above all love.
Be Knowledgeable
First of all, knowledge is power. Learn as much as you can about the disease with which your loved one has been diagnosed with. Become aware of the causes, treatments, stages, and prevention of the disease. Visit your local library and search the internet; there are many publications about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia that will better help you understand what to expect. Join a support group and talk to successful caregivers, especially individuals who have cared for someone with dementia. They can provide more specific information than any book and give you emotional support as well. Also, find a doctor for your loved one that you trust and are comfortable with and develop a good relationship with him/her. Be fearless in asking your doctor questions, especially if you don’t understand something. The more you know about the disease, the more you will understand and empathize with your loved one, and you will be more prepared for the road ahead.
Plan Ahead
Because of the extreme difficulties you might face from being a caregiver for an individual with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, it is a good idea to plan ahead. There are many legal issues that need to be addressed for your loved one. First, a guardian for your loved one can and should be appointed by the courts. This can be done when the person in question is no longer competent and is unable to take care of himself/herself and/or his/her estate. Next, complete a last will and testament if one hasn’t been drafted already. Then, compose a living will. This allows the patient’s wishes concerning medical treatment and death to be followed even after the individual is unable to speak for himself/herself. Find an attorney who specializes in family law or mental health law to help you draft the documents.
It is also important in the early stages of the disease to find a few care facilities for your loved one even if you don’t think you will be placing this individual in the future. It will be easier and less stressful to learn about the facilities in your area before the probable time comes for placement. Some care facilities may also provide respite or day care. Take tours and note your likes and dislikes of each one. See more information on this topic below under Find a Facility.
top of page
Tips for Success
Most individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s recognize some degree of their disease. In early stages, Alzheimer’s patients often feel alienated, lonely, and fear but may find joy in the simple things of life. Even though this awareness of declining function gradually diminishes, it can be useful to comprehend what your loved one might actually be feeling. With this comprehension you can better understand certain behaviors and improve upon your own care giving. Be perceptive and try to let your loved one be as independent as possible for as long as possible. When you do help, explain what you are going to do before you do it. Try to put yourself in their shoes.
Learn how to communicate with your loved one. When talking to someone with dementia, establish eye contact, be direct and specific, and make your statements literal. Saying, “go jump in bed” might be confusing. Use a relaxed and warm tone of voice, reduce background noise, and repeat or rephrase if necessary. Do not try and reason with your loved one; remember, they don’t think they are being unreasonable. Also, try to identify what might frustrate your loved one when you are trying to communicate, and change your behavior.
Establish a daily routine, change can often be stressful for an individual with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Comfort comes from predictability. Writing down your daily schedule and placing it somewhere visual may also help preserve some brain function.
Activities also can give your loved one some comfort. Choose simple activities that he/she once enjoyed doing such as gardening, using safe tools, folding laundry, or socializing. Many individuals also find tranquility in petting something or cradling a baby.
Your loved one’s behavior and personality may change a lot, even from one minute to the next. Often certain behaviors have underlying issues. For example, repetitive tasks may be a sign of discomfort. Maybe he needs to use the restroom, or perhaps she is cold. Try to identify if and what the cause is for certain behaviors. If your loved one becomes extremely frustrated or the situation is tense, try diverting his/her attention by changing the subject or distracting with a comforting activity.
It is also important to make your home safe. Make sure doors and windows securely lock. People with dementia often wander away from home and forget where they were going or how to get back. Also, keep cleaners and other harmful substances inaccessible. Sometimes household cleaners can be confused for something eatable. Eventually, it will no longer be safe for your loved one to drive a vehicle. You may need to distract away from driving or even hide the car keys. Furthermore, as immobility increases you may want to remove obtrusive furniture and rugs and install handrails or wheelchair ramps.
top of page
You’re not alone
You are part of a care team. When your loved one is first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, involve the entire family. Those family and friends who are willing to help should also educate themselves about the disease and how to take care of the patient. Take breaks, allow those family members to help and ask for help, you don’t have to do it all. Furthermore, respite care can allow you to take a break for several hours or even several days.
Also find aid in support groups. You will be able to obtain empathy, release emotions, and even learn different methods of care. You can find support groups in your area through the Alzheimer’s Association or click here for Ashley Manor’s support group page.
Your doctor is also part of the care team. Make sure your loved one visits the doctor frequently. Discuss any problems with medications or behavior. You should also visit your doctor. Have a physical regularly to ensure your own physical and mental health. You cannot be a good caregiver unless you are healthy yourself.
You have decided to take care of your loved one, take pride in your accomplishments and your courage. You need a positive attitude, sense of humor, and a lot patience. Be aware of your limitation and alternatives, take breaks, ask for help, and do the best you can.
top of page
Finding a Assisted Living Facility
The time might come when being the caregiver for your loved one has become too much and you need to place him/her in a health care facility. When looking for permanent or respite care, do your homework. Take tours at many different homes. Ask questions about the care facilities philosophy, credentials, and cost. Be vigilant about the cleanliness of the home and the care of current residents. Try to imagine your loved one living there. Would he rather be in a secluded environment or one with many social opportunities? Will she be able to make her room feel like home? Is the staff qualified for his level of care? Compose a checklist of observations to make and questions to ask, or use a complimentary checklist from Ashley Manor.
top of page