How to Handle a Patient With Alzheimer's Disease
Handling a person with Alzheimer's disease challenges you as a family member. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease of the brain that leads to irreversible impairments in memory, judgment and language. Because of this, the responsibility of handling someone with this disease gets overwhelming without a strategy. Each day brings new worries and difficulties because of the decline of your loved one as the Alzheimer's disease progresses. Difficult behaviors often arise, bringing on new problems. Have a plan that maximizes the ability of the person with Alzheimer's disease, makes both of you smile at the end of the day and keeps your stress level down.
Instructions
Focus on the abilities that the patient with Alzheimer's disease still has rather than on what abilities he has lost.
Keep his mind active. Find mentally stimulating yet simple projects that can be done in steps. Break down tasks into the easiest levels possible so they are successfully completed.
Learn to adapt and modify activities she used to enjoy. For example: Give her easier crossword puzzles or word searches. Offer hints. Only do a couple of words at a time.
Exercise together. Exercise is good for your mind and his. You both sleep better with daily exercise.
Allow the patient with Alzheimer's disease to keep as much independence as possible.
Be complimentary. In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, patients often realize that something is wrong. Compliments make them feel better.
Give out plenty of hugs.
Go with the flow. If things do not go as planned, do not panic, rather accept what happened and move on.
Help the patient with Alzheimer's disease to communicate. He may have trouble finding the right word to use. Help him in a kind, gentle way.
Set up a daily routine but be flexible.
Never argue. A patient with Alzheimer's disease thinks what she perceives is real. You will not convince her otherwise. Logic does not work.
Stop agitated behavior early. Refocus and redirect the patient to another, enjoyed activity.
Enroll the patient with Alzheimer's disease in adult day care. Having him there several days a week gives you some rest and a chance to recharge. Day care allows socialization with peers while having fun.
Join a support group in person or online. You will get some great tips and advice.