These are some approved tips and ways of a few important subjects for the caring of someone with Alzheimer's, from www.nia.nih.gov to save you some time. This has helped me with understanding the problems and gave me information on how to care for my Father. Here are some different techniques. I also added some personal tips on each subject. There will be more in the days to come. I have been a little late on this. I have been working hard to come out with some new and improved links for my lovely readers to go through. Thank you all!
Enjoy!
Phyllis
Here are some communication problems caused by AD
- Trouble finding the right word when speaking
- Problems understanding what words mean
- Problems paying attention during long conversations
- Loss of train-of-thought when talking
- Trouble remembering the steps in common activities, such as cooking a meal, paying bills,
- getting dressed, or doing laundry
To encourage the person with AD to communicate with you
- Show a warm, loving, matter-of-fact manner.
- Hold the person's hand while you talk.
- Be open to the person's concerns, even if they are hard to understand.
- Let him or her make some decisions and stay involved.
- Be patient with angry outbursts. Remember, it's the illness "talking."
- If you become frustrated, take a "timeout" for yourself.
- To speak effectively with a person who has AD
- Offer simple, step-by-step instructions.
- Repeat instructions and allow more time for a response. Try not to interrupt.
- Don't talk about the person as if he or she isn't there.
- Don't talk to the person using "baby talk" or a "baby voice."
Phyllis's Tip
Holding his hand is something I do for this all the time. I feel this is the most important. I look him directly in the eye and talk with patience and a smile. I can't tell you enough how important it is to stick by their side and be patient. Patience is everything. Remember, It is the disease talking.
Challenge: changes in personality and behavior
- Getting upset, worried, and angry more easily
- Acting depressed or not interested in things
- Hiding things or believing other people are hiding things
- Imagining things that aren't there
- Here are some ways to cope with changes in personality and behavior
- Keep things simple. Ask or say one thing at a time.
- Have a daily routine, so the person knows when certain things will happen.
- Reassure the person that he or she is safe and you are there to help.
- Focus on his or her feelings rather than words. For example, say, "You seem worried."
- Don't argue or try to reason with the person
- Use distractions
- Try using music, singing, or dancing to distract the person. One caregiver found that giving her husband chewing gum stopped his cursing.
- Ask for help. For instance, say, "Let's set the table" or "I really need help folding the clothes."
Phyllis's Tip
Understanding that the person with ALZ 's personality has changed, you have to adapt your thinking to a level that they will understand without being condescending. Talk to them in a very gentile voice and start talking to them about something they are interested in. Most of the time, they will respond to you about that subject.
How to cope with sleep problems
- Plan activities that use more energy early in the day.
- For example, try bathing in the morning or having the largest family meal in the middle of the day.
- Set a quiet, peaceful mood in the evening to help the person relax.
- Keep the lights low, try to reduce the noise levels, and play soothing music if he or she enjoys it.
- Try to have the person go to bed at the same time each night. A bedtime routine, such as reading out loud, also may help.
- Limit caffeine.
- Use nightlights in the bedroom, hall, and bathroom.
Phyllis's Tip
What I do with my Father is, I like to help him walk around during the afternoon. It takes more of his energy early. If he ends up restless or is struggling to sleep I usually play very peaceful music that he is used too or readings by Joel Osteen that he loves, and ill speak to him in a soft voice to calm him before bed. All things calm is the key.
How to cope with hallucinations and delusions
- Tell the doctor or AD specialist about the delusions or hallucinations.
- Discuss with the doctor any illnesses the person has and medicines he or she is taking. Sometimes an illness or medicine may cause hallucinations or delusions.
- Try not to argue about what the person with AD sees or hears. Comfort the person if he or she is afraid.
- Distract the person. Sometimes moving to another room or going outside for a walk helps.
- Turn off the TV when violent or upsetting programs are on. Someone with AD may think these events are really going on in the room.
Phyllis's Tip
My tip is, I was told once by a co-worker that has a parent who has ALZ that if they talk about something its okay. But when they start seeing something than you need to seek medical help right away. There really is no tip for this, this is a serious problem and you need to seek help right away. I will tell you this though, for me I try whatever I can to calm my father down or change the subject in the time being.
Agitation and Aggression
- Pain, depression, or stress
- Too little rest or sleep
- Constipation
- Soiled underwear or diaper
How to cope with agitation and aggression
- Look for the early signs of agitation or aggression. Then you can deal with the cause before the problem behaviors start.
- Doing nothing can make things worse. Try to find the causes of the behavior. If you deal with the causes, the behavior may stop.
- Slow down and try to relax if you think your own worries may be affecting the person with AD. Try to find a way to take a break from caregiving.
- Allow the person to keep as much control in his or her life as possible.
- Try to distract the person with a favorite snack, object, or activity.
- Here are things the doctor can do:
- Give the person a medical exam to find any problems that may cause the behavior. These problems might include pain, depression, or the effects of certain medicines.
- Check the person's vision and hearing each year.
Phyllis's Tip
My biggest suggestion is telling the person who has ALZ that everything will be okay. I can't stress it enough when there is any issues how important it is to have someone in your life that can tell you everything will be okay. Hold their hand, hug them, and if it comes down to it distract them with something they are comfortable with. Like a hobby, song, or even a game. This happens everyday for me and it is important.
Patience is the most important thing, ALWAYS remember this. I can't Stress it enough... Patience will come with time. I promise.
Source
National Institute on Aging - www.nia.nih.gov
Phyllis James
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