Giving care to a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Make efforts to maintain your health and well-being to ensure that you can deliver high-quality care. Keep to a simple daily routine as much as possible, and stick to it. It can help slow cognitive changes.
Washing
Washing can be a very unpleasant task for people with dementia. They may object to the cold water or the sensation of soap on their skin. If they refuse to bathe, it can lead to urinary tract infections and other health complications. Approaching a resistant person with dementia requires patience and reassurance. Try to have all bath supplies ready before the patient begins bathing. Use simple language and give one instruction at a time. Reassure the person and distract them from another activity if they fuss.
Getting Ready for the Day
In the US, millions look after a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s. It can be a stressful, exhausting job. Caregivers need to take breaks and have a support system to offer help when needed. Many people with Alzheimer’s or dementia resist everyday tasks like bathing and eating. The memory care at home San Diego CA breaks the task into smaller steps and explains each step calmly and reassuringly. People with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia receive specialized treatment.
Brushing
People with dementia often have difficulty brushing their teeth. It can be frustrating for family caregivers. If your loved one resists brushing, try a technique such as a mirror or chaining (the carer starts the brushing, and then the person joins in). Brushing can be more accessible when using children’s toothbrushes with smaller heads and soft bristles. Find a dentist who understands dementia and can help with mouth pain or ill-fitting dentures.
Eating
As dementia progresses, eating can become a problem for some people. They may need to remember to eat, think they’ve already eaten, or have difficulty chewing and swallowing. Weight loss, agitation, and bladder or bowel function issues might result from inadequate nutrition. Try to keep mealtimes social. Serve one food item at a time and offer smaller portions. If the person refuses to eat, attempt to reassure them and calmly demonstrate how to do it for them. If the person has hallucinations or delusions, state these calmly and explain them.
Getting Dressed
Dressing can be a difficult task for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Changing clothes can cause them to feel confused and disoriented. It can lead to verbal outbursts, like cursing and arguing or inappropriate sexual behaviors. Be patient and provide verbal and physical reassurance to help your loved one dress. Choose clothing that is easy to wear, such as pants with elastic waistbands and shoes with Velcro or zippers. A camisole instead of a bra is easier to put on, and women’s skirts and dresses that fasten in the front are more comfortable than ones that go over the head.
Taking a Bath
Seeing a tub full of warm water makes many people feel at ease. Consider keeping a consistent daily schedule for bathing, meals, dressing, and bedtime to help your loved one orient and sleep better. Bathing helps promote healthy skin, soothes muscles and joints, and can help reduce depression symptoms. A warm bath elevates nitric oxide, which causes blood vessels to dilate, reducing blood pressure and improving circulation. In a study, participants reported improved visual analog scale scores on fatigue, stress, and pain, as well as higher overall health and role emotional ratings after bathing interventions compared to showering.
Getting Ready for Bed
When your loved one reaches the late stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia, they may need 24-hour care. They’ll likely lose memory, become lost in familiar settings, forget how to eat or wash, and may experience mood changes, sleep problems, and hallucinations. Often, late-stage dementia patients experience sundowning as day turns to night. It can cause confusion, agitation, and aggression. Try providing reassurance, distraction, and soothing touch. Distractions include discussing everyday activities and songs they love or walking outdoors. Keeping rooms well-lit can also decrease shadows and confusion.