Caregiving tips (Alzheimer's Month)

Every year in November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Six million people are living with Alzheimer’s in the United States. However, about fifty-five million people are living with Alzheimer’s globally. Each year more people get diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. It is necessary for someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s to have a caregiver.

 

Being a caretaker is not an easy task and it becomes unbearable at times. Caregiving for someone often leaves you burned out. You are constantly under an elevated level of stress. All your thoughts are about the other person's physical needs and emotional health. Moreover, you need to be in constant contact with the family.

Depending on the stage of Alzheimer’s, wandering occurs often. Wandering is common and it is crucial to prevent wandering as a caregiver. It is recommended to cover the doorknobs or paint the doorknobs with the same color as the doors. Use security cameras in your home. Have plenty of good lighting outside and inside of your home.

Keep the person busy if you are the caregiver. Usually, wandering is an action of desperation and the fear of losing one's independence. Also, it can be an action of anger, agitation, and boredom. Never leave an Alzheimer’s person alone in your home and the automobile. Purchase a bracelet specifically for Alzheimer’s. 

Register for the wandering emergency response services. Make sure they have no access to house keys, car keys, and sharp objects. Have a safety home plan. Notify the neighbors, friends, and family members if they see the person wandering because of Alzheimer’s. Have a list of places where they liked to attend before Alzheimer’s.

Additionally, add bells to their walker so you know where they are going. Have activities ready for them before they get restless such as a card game, book, or folding laundry. Do not leave them alone in the kitchen even if they want to cook for themselves. Play music or an entertaining movie. Keep a recent picture of them in case of an emergency. 

Preventing wandering is tough but it is necessary for their safety. Additionally, if you notice them pacing, repeating physical and facial gestures, and feel desperation; Remain calm and reassure them everything is good. Keep in mind that they might be losing their eyesight, and balance, and can continue feeling nervous throughout the stages of Alzheimer’s. As well as the repetitive questions which require a lot of patience. Their moods will constantly change, and they need to remain calm.

However, caregiving does require kindness, time, and preparation. One must prepare ahead of time for the various stages of Alzheimer’s. The preparation needs to be mental and physical. Lastly, being a caregiver is a valuable experience to learn about compassion. Here are websites with more information and tips for caregiving. 

 

Alzheimer’s and Caregiving:

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/topics/alzheimers-caregiving

Alzheimer’s-Dementia and Aging-Tips for Alzheimer’s Caregivers:

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/alzheimers-dementia-aging/tips-for-alzheimers-caregivers.htm

Alzheimer's Organization-Help and Support for Caregiving-Stages, Behaviors, and Wandering:

https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/wandering

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