Being a family caregiver is hard enough. Add in the complexities of Alzheimer’s disease and it can seem impossible. Here are seven rules you can rely on to make the experience positive for both you and your mom or dad.
#1 – Never Point Out Your Parent is Wrong
Don’t point out your parent is wrong. Just agree and move on. Never say you already said something, even if you did, it’s not going to help.
#2 – Always Give a Limited Number of Choices
Limit choices to two or three items. At a menu, don’t let your parent look through it. Pick out two or three favorite dishes and let them pick from those options.
#3 – Simplify Tasks by Breaking Them Into Steps
Following instructions is challenging to someone with Alzheimer’s. Break down tasks into easy steps. If you need your mom to get showered and dressed, break it down. Work on the shower first. Next, work on getting into the different clothes.
#4 – Identify and Avoid Stressors
Make note of things that stress or agitate your mom or dad. If riding in the front seat causes fear, make sure your parent is always in the back seat. If a certain store causes a panic, shop there when you’re alone.
#5 – Alter Your Dialogue for Easy Comprehension
Comprehension skills diminish as Alzheimer’s progresses. Try to make your sentences short and use simple words. Speak slowly and look at your mom or dad when you are speaking to avoid any confusion.
#6 – Always Allow Extra Time for Responses
It takes time for the thought process to work when you have Alzheimer’s. When you ask a question, be patient. Give your mom or dad extra time to respond. If they struggle with a word, give them time to figure it out.
#7 – Enter Your Parent’s World
Rather than trying to pull your mom or dad into your sense of reality, join your parent in his or her reality. Your parent will struggle with present-day memories. There will be times that your mom or dad truly believes something on TV or in a movie happened in real life. Instead of disagreeing, realize the fear or anxiety your parent experiences and offer statements that soothe.
One of the most important thing you can do for yourself and your parent is to arrange respite care. If you’re stressed, you’re more likely to be short-tempered or abrupt with your mom or dad. Senior care professionals can step in and offer care while you take a break. You’ll return refreshed and ready to provide quality care.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Spring Branch, TX, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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