After an elderly loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it can be challenging for families to make the necessary changes to provide their loved ones with high-quality care. However, with the right focus, making the transition doesn’t need to be difficult. Here are some tips to help you and your family adapt to Alzheimer’s care.
1. Speak with an Alzheimer’s Specialis
Get in touch with a social worker, counselor, or doctor who specializes in dementia-related conditions. Alzheimer’s is an incredibly challenging cognitive disorder, and caregivers must spend a good amount of time learning as much as they can about it. An Alzheimer’s specialist can help you come up with a treatment plan to slow the progression of your loved one’s disease and give you tips on how to manage the daily challenges.
A professional caregiver with training and experience in Alzheimer’s care can be a wonderful resource for seniors and their families. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading Waterloo elder care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
2. Join a Support Group for Caregivers
A local support group can be an invaluable resource for a family caregiver who has recently begun this journey. You must have a safe and comfortable space to vent your frustrations or you may begin to experience caregiver burnout. These support groups can also keep you up to date on the latest treatments for dementia-related disorders.
Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
3. Remove Dangers in the Home
There may be more dangers around your loved one’s home than you realize, and these issues must be addressed immediately to prevent your loved one from becoming seriously injured. Sharp objects, medications, car keys, matches, and all other dangerous items should be kept in locked cabinets or put away far out of reach. You might also want to install a monitoring system so you can hear when your loved one gets out of bed or needs help.
4. Establish a Strict Routine
You and your loved one can both benefit from maintaining a predictable, strict schedule. Any changes to their daily routines can result in confusion and stress for seniors with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. If you must do something out of the ordinary, such as taking your loved one to see a doctor, try to schedule it for a time when your loved one seems the most agreeable and lucid.
5. Say Yes to Help
Keeping a senior with Alzheimer’s safe and healthy can become a full-time job. This is especially true in the later stages, when it may be necessary to supervise your loved one around the clock. No matter how much time and energy you’re willing to invest into caregiving, there will likely come a point when you need help. Whether it’s getting support from family members or arranging regular visits from a professional caregiver, you must be able to make time for yourself. Even having someone take care of a few meals a month can provide you with much-needed alone time.
If your elderly loved one is living with Alzheimer’s and needs help managing the symptoms, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of Alzheimer’s care. Waterloo seniors can rely on our revolutionary Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program that promotes cognitive health and delays the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. CTM also encourages seniors to engage with others in an enjoyable way and helps them build new routines to look forward to. Home Care Assistance will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call us today at (519) 954-2111 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion