In the early stages of Dementia including Alzheimer's many people want to care for their loved one either at the loved ones home or their own home. In either case there are practical and emotional adjustments that need to occur to successfully provide gentle, loving and respectful care. This applies both to a spouse who is caregiving at home as well as to an adult child who is moving the parent into their own home.
1. You,The Care Giver - Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or other dementia can be a demanding responsibility that may easily become overwhelming so one of the first things you will want to do is set up a safety net for yourself.
You will not be helpful if you fall ill or succumb to depression. Find sources within your family or community that can provide you with regular relief.
When your friends and neighbors ask what they can do to help this is the time to take them up on their offer. Explore home care agencies that will come in to relieve you.
2. Your Home And Environment - It is important that you maintain a calm and stable environment. A person with dementia may become agitated and frustrated when there are sudden changes or are faced with a situation with which they have trouble dealing.
Above all, the home must be safe. A good way to start is to "child proof" the home remembering that your loved one is taller than the average 3 year old.
3. Activity Planning - Engage the loved one in fun but stress free activities and social visits for which he or she is emotionally and physically equipped.
Provide them with opportunities to do things they have always enjoyed whether cooking, gardening, listening to music or taking walks in the park.
4. Emotional Health - "Senior Moments" started when I was in my 40's and I think they do for a lot of people. So it is with our loved ones, some moments are more lucid than others so try not to become too frustrated when they drift from one level of dementia to another.
Be sure to always treat them with respect and above all do not be condescending.
5. Label And Calendars - Label everything. This is especially important if they are in a different home. Use copy paper on doors and letter with a dark, bold marker.
Label each drawer with appropriate signs such as Underwear and Socks; Pajamas; Shirts and so forth.
Get a calendar that is large enough that they can write a little about their day. This will serve to help keep track of the days and also to help remind them what they have done.
And now I would like to invite you to visit Dementia Home Care at linebell.com linebell.com/ for additional informative and fun things to assist you in your most noble quest.
From Patricia Flach - The Home Care Lady
No comments:
Post a Comment