Tips For Family Caregivers to Offer Alzheimer Care Services

Older people often struggle with simple tasks, indicating that they are stepping into advancing years. They may feel anxious and lonely without showing vulnerability. However, as time passes, things worsen.

There is no known cause for this cognitive dysfunction frequently in the advancing years. However, some researchers suggest a combination of factors, such as shrinking, inflammation, blood vessel damage, and breakdown of energy in cells. 

Till now, it is unclear what has led to the development of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Take Note of These Conditions:

• Are they often anxious for no reason?
• Do they have difficulty recalling your name?
• Do they have a memory of recent conversations?
• Do they have trouble with word choice?
• Are they having challenges making instant decisions?
• Do they frequently lose things?
• Are they able to follow the conversation?
• Do they overlook when they have taken their last meal?
• Are they avoiding social interactions?
• Do they wander alone in the same place?

Ensure that they do not have to face challenges with these. In the advancing years, it becomes common for older people to be anxious and inexpressive or have difficulty choosing the right words. 

But if these get more frequent, seek help because these are often signs of progressive memory loss. However, when you get support at the right time, your loved ones may not recover, but their condition can be slower. 

Therefore, one needs to be mindful and constantly track the behavior of their loved ones. 

Understand Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a common form of dementia that affects cognitive abilities completely. 

It is not common in the advancing years; however, people above 65 years of age and older have a higher risk of developing dementia. It can be mild, moderate, or severe. 

In the mild case, the older people function independently, but their cognitive abilities are slightly affected. When they reach the moderate stage, you help them with the daily tasks because they have difficulty making decisions. 

Memory loss, confusion, and anxiety are common, and you may notice that they have challenges recalling your names and recognizing family members. In severe cases, they depend on a caregiver and have difficulty chewing and swallowing food.

Challenges of Alzheimer’s Caregiver

Caregivers face unique challenges when they need to take care of loved ones diagnosed with dementia.

The caregiving approach requires empathy, love, patience, and compassion. You know that you cannot alter their mental health, but providing Alzheimer’s care services is the only option. It gives them a sense of belonging and acceptance during their final days. 

Family caregivers providing Alzheimer’s care services feel drained, and their difficulty in assisting their friends and family with tasks arises as the situation worsens. 

Everything, from sleep to food and exercise, is difficult.

Family caregivers do not have time to look after themselves. As time goes by and the need for love and care grows, it affects the mental and physical health of the family caregivers. They encounter more stress and isolation during their caregiving job. 

Alzheimer’s caregivers go through depression and fatigue, affecting their sleep quality. They frequently keep thinking about whether their loved one is wandering or if something unexpected occurs on the spot. Their sleep quality is affected by frequent negative thoughts, which impact their health.

So, in the following section, we give tips on providing better Alzheimer’s care services to loved ones. These recommendations can help their loved ones lead a comfortable life in the remaining days.

Tips for Family Caregivers

Creating a Daily Routine

Note that you cannot change your care plans frequently because it makes your loved ones more anxious. You can plan something outdoor, like visiting their favorite places or social events. They may be reluctant initially, but it will bring a sense of familiarity.

At this stage, make sure they feel like they are loved. Spend time with your loved one in their garden or plan a fun evening. Maintain a daily routine of physical exercises to maintain muscle flexibility.

Meeting Health Needs With Nutrition

In cases of Alzheimer’s, the loved one may forget their last meal. They often get hungry or lose their sense of appetite.

But as a family caregiver, you help them get the proper nutrients. You can cut the foods and fruits into slices so they do not have difficulty chewing or swallowing. Boil the food to make it semi-liquid and easy to consume.

Avoid Accidental Hazards at Home

Uncoordinated physical functioning is frequent in Alzheimer’s disease. They face difficulty walking or communicating their emotions. They are susceptible to accidents and may fall off the stairs or slip on wet floors.

Start by de-cluttering your home. Provide ample lighting to avoid accidents. Install handrails near stairs and grab bars in the bathrooms to help the older loved ones while they walk.

New Techniques for Initiating Communication

Boston University has discovered that individuals who experience loneliness in their adult years are more prone to developing dementia. 

The family caregiver must seek new ways of communicating with loved ones. When conversing with loved ones, the caregiver may use eye contact or a smile to communicate. Caregivers can also use innovative communication techniques, such as singing and hand gestures. 

Are You Looking for Alzheimer’s Care Services?

You cannot run from your emotions and negative thoughts, but we certainly help you to cope as much as possible. That’s why, Trinity Medical Staffing and Homecare Agency offers in-home care services for Alzheimer’s loved ones. 

If you are looking for respite care, our caregivers are here. We will help you take some time for yourself so you regain some source of encouragement again. With more than a decade of experience in caregiving, our caregivers have been proven and recommended by many families.