Taking care of a person
with Alzheimer’s is one of the most
challenging jobs in the world. Care for
a person suffering from Alzheimer’s
disease involves taking care of all his
physical and emotional needs.
Educate yourself about all the aspects
of Alzheimer’s. Knowing what’s
happening and why, can make it easier to
cope. You will also know what to expect
as the disease progresses. Understand the
changes that the person will go through.
Discuss them with family and close friends
so that they are prepared.
Dealing with an AD patient on a day-to-day
basis can be highly demanding. The person
with AD can project different behaviors
on different days. Draw up a schedule and
try your best to stick to it. But always
maintain a flexible state of mind and adapt
to any changes that come your way.
A person with Alzheimer’s will experience
many changes in his personality as the disease
progresses. He will be stubborn, irritable,
insecure, irrational, and paranoid. He may
also be unable to mange even the simplest
physical tasks like holding a fork or buttoning
his shirt. This can be trying for the caregiver
as well as the person with Alzheimer’s
disease. Remember to approach each situation
with tact and sensitivity; he is still the
person you have always loved and it is nobody’s
fault that he is experiencing these changes.
Persons with AD are usually restless and
get bored easily. Involving the AD patient
in daily activities and time with family
is very important. Always treat him with
respect, never put him in a situation that
tramps his dignity or makes him feel inadequate.
As language skills degenerate, it will not
be easy for the person with Alzheimer’s
disease to communicate. Pay attention to
his body language and try anticipating his
needs.
Looking after a loved one with Alzheimer’s
is a 24/7 job that makes staggering demands
on your time and understanding. Maintaining
your equilibrium is crucial to the smooth
functioning of day-to-day life. This is
not always easy, no matter how much you
love the person you’re taking care
of. Accept help from time to time and don’t
feel guilty about it.
MORE ON ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
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