Alzheimer’s Homecare Explained~Basic Alzheimer’s Home Care Defined
Alzheimer’s disease will have significant and life-changing effects on both the patient and the caregiver involved. Caring for an individual who is sick with Alzheimer’s at home presents difficult challenges. The most basic daily activities, including eating, bathing and finding activities for the patient to perform can be laborious to manage on one’s own.
The Importance of Healthy Caregivers: Take note that the caregiver plays a very important role regarding the quality of life a patient with Alzheimer’s disease will lead. It is essential to research and understand what is necessary to provide effective Alzheimer’s care at home. Family caregivers often are thrust into their role with little or, worse, no training at all and as such should work to gain the knowledge about the disease and practical ways to manage it and its corresponding behaviors.
In addition, all caregivers, whether a family member or a hired homecare worker, should be regularly assessed to ensure that he or she remains healthy, both emotionally and physically. The individual providing Alzheimer’s care should be aware of seeking support when additional help is needed, personal limitations and making every effort to maintain a normal life as possible. Caregiver burnout is a common problem amongst those that care for others but it is something that can be avoided. Read more on dealing and avoiding caregiver burnout.
Making it Work: The Steps to Take. Caregivers also need support in order for them to provide the best care possible. We strongly advise caregivers to consider some or all of the following: Find community agencies dedicated to the education of both the patient and caregiver.
They can assist with everyday events that occur and provide much needed support. Always make sure that the caregivers have their breaks. Often something as small as an hour to pick up groceries, medications and other staples can make a world of difference to the caregiver and the patient. Adult day care can also provide needed respite, allowing the caregiver time to perform other family duties. These support groups give caregivers the chance to speak out their frustrations with those in similar situations. Read more on the benefits of caregiver support groups. Geriatric care managers can help families manage paid homecare workers and ensure the patient is comfortable and receiving proper care.
Safety & Comfort Measures: Two of the most important roles of a caregiver are to ensure the comfort and safety of those whom they provide care. General safety precautions can be implemented to improve the patient’s quality of life and minimize the potential for dangerous accidents including: Placing safety decals on glass doors to prevent the patient from walking into glass.
Storing household cleaners and other dangerous chemicals in a locked cabinet to prohibit access. Removing or placing padding to furnitures with sharp edges. Placing the kitchen utensils in cabinets. Simple adjustments made to the residence can can be beneficial for an Alzheimer’s patient living at home. Some ideas that can all positively impact daily living include: Lowering the levels of light during meals (This may improve eating habits.) Removing unnecessary clutter. Keeping a patient’s favorite music at a consistent volume for background effect
Advanced planning by the caregiver and continuous articulation to the patient with regards to current and upcoming activities will simplify the daily regimen. The caregiver should research as much information as possible. Always be honest about the demands placed on all parties including the financial consequences of all options under consideration.
Remember that all family members face emotional challenges including coping with mortality, dealing with fear and other emotional issues. Be proactive with your concerns and talk to your doctor.
Filed under Health and Fitness by on Aug 28th, 2009. 
Leave a Comment