Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s is a very difficult task and can be overwhelming at times. As each day goes on there will be new challenges both, caregiver and patient, will have to take on. There are various different tips for caregivers such as always having a gentle tone of voice when communicating with the patient. Caregivers should always make eye contact and call the patient by their name. When caregivers ask the patient questions they should always allow enough time for them to give their response and be careful not interrupt. When bathing a patient a caregiver should set the bath at a warm temperature and test it out before hand. They should also let the patient know what they are going to do step by step since bathing may be a frightening or confusing experience. When dressing a patient the caregiver should lie out 2-3 outfits and allow them to choose which one they’d like to wear. It is recommended to encourage the patient to dress themself (if they have the capability to do so). The article of clothing should be handed to them one-by-one and they should be told how to put on the clothing step-by-step. Eating time can be difficult for a patient with Alzheimer’s disease since they tend to overeat because they do not have control or remember when the last time they ate was. Portions of food should be small so that they can eat throughout the day. Finger foods, healthy snacks, and shakes, are encouraged. Mealtime routines should be scheduled so that they have familiarity around the time they should be eating. A caregiver should make sure that they drink enough fluid throughout the day to avoid dehydration. Usually patients with Alzheimer’s won’t be able to tell you when they are in need of the restroom. It is important to create a routine of taking them to the restroom regularly, such as every 3 hours or so. When a patient has hallucinations or delusions it is best not to argue with them.
Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s is a very difficult task and can be overwhelming at times. As each day goes on there will be new challenges both, caregiver and patient, will have to take on. There are various different tips for caregivers such as always having a gentle tone of voice when communicating with the patient. Caregivers should always make eye contact and call the patient by their name. When caregivers ask the patient questions they should always allow enough time for them to give their response and be careful not interrupt. When bathing a patient a caregiver should set the bath at a warm temperature and test it out before hand. They should also let the patient know what they are going to do step by step since bathing may be a frightening or confusing experience. When dressing a patient the caregiver should lie out 2-3 outfits and allow them to choose which one they’d like to wear. It is recommended to encourage the patient to dress themself (if they have the capability to do so). The article of clothing should be handed to them one-by-one and they should be told how to put on the clothing step-by-step. Eating time can be difficult for a patient with Alzheimer’s disease since they tend to overeat because they do not have control or remember when the last time they ate was. Portions of food should be small so that they can eat throughout the day. Finger foods, healthy snacks, and shakes, are encouraged. Mealtime routines should be scheduled so that they have familiarity around the time they should be eating. A caregiver should make sure that they drink enough fluid throughout the day to avoid dehydration. Usually patients with Alzheimer’s won’t be able to tell you when they are in need of the restroom. It is important to create a routine of taking them to the restroom regularly, such as every 3 hours or so. When a patient has hallucinations or delusions it is best not to argue with them.