Alzheimer's disease will have significant and life-changing effects on both the patient and the caregiver involved. Caring for an individual afflicted with Alzheimer's at home presents difficult challenges. The most basic daily activities, including eating, bathing and finding activities for the patient to perform can be laborious to manage on one's own. The Importance of Healthy Caregivers The caregiver plays a significant role regarding the quality of life an Alzheimer's patient will lead. It is essential to research and understand what is necessary to provide effective Alzheimer's care at home. Family caregivers often are thrust into their role with little to no training and as such should work to educate themselves about the disease and practical ways to manage it and its corresponding behaviors. In addition, all caregivers, whether a family member or a hired homecare worker, should be regularly assessed to ensure that he or she remains healthy-both physically and emotionally. The individual providing care should be aware of personal limitations, seek support where additional help is needed and make every effort to maintain as normal a life as possible. Caregiver burnout is a common problem amongst those that care for others-but it can be avoided.
Read more on dealing and avoiding caregiver burnout. Making it Work: The Steps to Take Caregivers need support in order to provide the best possible care. We strongly urge caregivers to consider some or all of the following: Find community agencies dedicated to the education of both the patient and caregiver. They can assist with everyday events that occur and provide needed support. Make sure caregivers have a break. Often something as small as an hour to pick up groceries, medications and other staples can make a world of difference to the caregiver and the patient. Adult day care can also provide needed respite, allowing the caregiver time to perform other family duties. Support groups allow caregivers a chance to discuss their frustrations with those in similar situations. Read more on the benefits of caregiver support groups. Geriatric care managers can help families manage paid homecare workers and ensure the patient is comfortable and receiving proper care.
Safety & Comfort Measures
The two most important roles of a caregiver are to ensure the safety and comfort of those for whom they provide care. General safety precautions can be implemented to improve the patient's quality of life and minimize the potential for accidents, including: Placing safety decals on glass doors to prevent the patient from walking into glass Storing household cleaners and other dangerous chemicals in a locked cabinet to prohibit access Removing or padding furniture with sharp edges Locking kitchen utensils in cabinets Simple adjustments made to the residence can provide significant benefits for an Alzheimer's patient living at home. Ideas that can all positively impact daily living include: Lowering the levels of light during meals (This may improve eating habits.) Removing unnecessary clutter Keeping a patient's favorite music at a consistent volume for background effect Advanced planning by the caregiver and continuous articulation to the patient regarding current and upcoming activities will simplify the daily regimen. The caregiver should seek out as much information as possible. Be honest about the demands placed on all parties including the financial consequences of all options under consideration. All family members face emotional challenges including coping with mortality, dealing with fear and other emotional issues. Be proactive with your concerns and talk to your doctor.
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