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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