When your elderly loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it can be kind of scary when you don’t know much about the disease and you don’t really know what’s going to be best for your loved one. Your loved one will need some special help during this process. It may become too much for one person to handle. If you don’t have help from other family members you may want to consider elder care services that specializes in Alzheimer’s care. If you will be providing some caregiving to your loved one, here are some Alzheimer’s caregiving tips for you:
- Activities for your loved one should include things that give them pleasure, such as stirring food.
- Make a structured routine. Your loved one may be feeling a lot of stress and be quite confused.
- Create a list of activities to keep them busy and have certain meal time and bed time.
- Adult day care centers are a valuable resource.
- Give them lots of praise when they are able to accomplish even the smallest things.
- Sometimes your loved one may become agitated. Stress and agitation are very common. It can be very upsetting for family members, so it’s good if you have some strategies to use.
- When your loved one is agitated, stop what you’re doing and try to pinpoint what’s upsetting them. If you stay calm they will more quickly calm down.
- Make sure you accept all offers of help from your family and friends. Even the small things really add up. Someone bringing over a meal or doing a batch of laundry for you.
It takes a special type of care to help the elderly person who is progressing through the stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Not only is the person losing their short term memory, but their brain eventually loses ability to control other body functions as well. It is a difficult disease but things will go so much better for family caregivers if they are able to learn as much as they can about what to do and how to handle it. Family caregivers need to have a large support network to help them and to take over when they need a break from caregiving. Elderly care providers have been trained for giving care to loved ones with Alzheimer’s. They also have experience, and know how to deal with the personality changes your loved one will go through. This can really be a big help to you, especially when the time comes your loved one needs around the clock care. Elder care services are very flexible for being able to fit in with your schedule. If you need someone a few hours each day, or certain days of the week, they are able to accommodate your needs. If you or an aging loved on are considering elderly care services in the home, please contact the caring staff at Total Care Connections (520) 447-4711. We provide quality Home Care & Assisted Living Placement Serving Tucson, Green Valley, Oro Valley, and Surrounding Areas!
