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Persons with Alzheimer’s disease experience different symptoms and behavioral changes. Consequently, there is no standard approach for caretakers to provide the best way to help people cope with the disease. The following information should be useful for most caregivers as they help to alleviate the stress and confusion that comes with caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease:
• Assist in various capacities, such as food shopping, cooking, house cleaning, paying bills, giving medicine, bathing, dressing, and providing company and emotional support.
• When interacting with a person with Alzheimer’s, try to choose simple words and short sentences, using a gentle and calm tone of voice, and calling the person by name.
• Try to remember to avoid talking to the person as if he/she is a baby, or if he/she is not present.
• Minimize distractions and noise, such as the television or radio, in order to help the person focus on what you are saying.
• Allow the person enough time to respond during verbal interaction and be careful not
to interrupt.
• Seek out resources such as community groups that may offer classes to teach caregiving, problem-solving and management skills.
• Take care of yourself. Research has shown that caregivers are often at increased risk for depression and illness, especially if they do not receive adequate support from family, friends and the community. |
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