Caring for senior loved ones with Alzheimer’s can present many challenges for family caregivers, but establishing helpful strategies could make the role less difficult. For advice, you can speak with your loved one’s medical provider in addition to family members and friends who have gone through similar situations. Below are some examples of tips to use when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.
1. Serve Healthy Foods
Seniors need vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to lower their blood pressure levels and keep the blood flowing to their brains. Good circulation can prevent blood clots and other issues that negatively affect brain cells and damage areas of the brain responsible for receiving, processing, and storing information. Consuming foods with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and calcium can boost cognitive health and alleviate many of the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s, such as memory loss.
One important thing to consider is whether to hire a professional caregiver for your loved one. Families looking for top-rated elder care providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
2. Promote Physical Activity
Purposeful activities are vital to the health of a senior with Alzheimer’s because the tasks trigger memories, boost confidence, and increase physical activity. Plan fun daily activities, such as working on arts and crafts, going to senior-friendly events, and exercising. Focus on building your loved one’s current skills, as opposed to teaching him or her something new.
3. Take Precautions when Bathing Your Loved One
Disorientation is common in older adults with Alzheimer’s, and they can become confused when it’s time to take a bath. They may think they’ve just bathed, or they may be afraid of the water. Schedule tasks like bathing when your loved one is at his or her best. Be respectful during the bathing process, and always set the water and air at comfortable temperatures.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Fremont families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
4. Monitor Medications
Medication errors could cause your loved one’s treatment to be ineffective and speed up the progression of Alzheimer’s. You can develop strategies that prevent your loved one from skipping a dose or overmedicating, including using medication tracker apps, making a note on a calendar each time a prescription is taken, and using pill boxes.
5. Schedule Additional Bathroom Breaks
Many seniors lose bladder and bowel control as Alzheimer’s progresses. Scheduling additional bathroom breaks can prevent your loved one from having an accident, reducing negative emotions such as embarrassment, guilt, and sadness.
When going out in public, plan ahead. Know where the restrooms are located, and take an extra set of clothing for your parent.
6. Encourage Plenty of Sleep
The body removes harmful toxins during the night, preventing tau proteins from tangling up. When your loved one gets proper sleep, these molecules can stabilize the microtubules in his or her brain, which could slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and allow your loved one to maintain independence for longer.
7. Develop Effective Distraction Techniques
Combative behavior is typical in older adults with Alzheimer’s, especially seniors in the late stages of the disease. You can manage a combative episode by remaining calm and diverting your loved one’s attention to another activity, such as exercising, playing a game, or singing. Your loved one can then redirect his or her focus instead of thinking about the issue that caused the physical or verbal outburst. Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors to manage without assistance, and it can be just as challenging for families who don’t have experience in providing Alzheimer’s care. Fremont Assisting Hands Home Care provides Alzheimer’s care seniors and their families can depend on. Our caregivers help seniors with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions live happier and healthier lives. For reliable in-home care services, contact us today.
