How to Support a Loved One with Dementia and Alzheimer's
There are 5.8 million Americans suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. It's one of the most prevalent forms of dementia. And also, one of the hardest to deal with.
Watching a loved one age is never easy. As they slowly lose the ability to care for themselves, your heart slowly breaks.
And while physical deterioration can be painful, there's something uniquely troubling about watching someone lose their mental capacity.
Caring for a loved one with dementia and Alzheimer's disease can be stressful. But knowing how to offer the support they need can make a world of difference for you both.
Take a deep breath and keep reading to discover the best ways to care for your ailing loved one.
The Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer's
Many people use these two terms interchangeably. But, it's important to understand the difference.
Dementia is a syndrome that describes a group of symptoms. Alzheimer's is a disease that falls under the umbrella of dementia.
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, but it's not the only one. Others include Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases.
Knowing the Signs
Alzheimer's is a degenerative disease. Not only are its effects irreversible, but they worsen over time. There is no known cure, making it that much more difficult to deal with.
If your loved exhibits some of the following behaviors, it may be signs of early onset dementia or Alzheimer's.
Disorientation
Memory loss
Difficulty understanding visual information
Confusion over time and place
Problems writing and speaking
Poor judgment
Dementia affects a person's cognitive function. Your loved one may become forgetful and struggle to perform daily tasks. This is where your support comes into play.
How You Can Help
Some people choose to care for a dementia patient on their own. This means quitting their job or moving their loved one into their home.
But, this isn't a viable option for most people. Hiring an in-home caregiver can cut down substantially on the financial and emotional burden on loved ones.
Regardless of which route you take, you'll still be heavily involved in their lives. Here are a few ways to offer dementia patients the support and care they need.
Stick to a Routine
To avoid agitation and further confusion, establish a daily routine with your loved one. Try to schedule tasks at the same time each day.
Simple things like eating breakfast, taking medication, and showering, should all be scheduled. But, it's also important to remain flexible and account for minor hiccups along the way.
Be Patient
Alzheimer's patients move slowly. It takes them much longer to complete simple tasks, adding to their frustrations.
Be patient as they struggle to get dressed, make a decision, or even answer simple questions. Dementia patients feed off of your emotions.
If you're tense, they become tense. If you lose your patience, they will too.
Use a calm, pleasant voice whenever possible. This keeps interactions happy and positive.
Expect Resistance
One of the most unpleasant side effects of dementia is when seniors become combative. This is heartbreaking for you since outbursts might include physical and verbal abuse.
While this is never easy to deal with, expecting it can soften the blow. Remember that your loved one isn't really upset with you, specifically. They can't control their behaviors or emotions.
But, that doesn't mean you deserve to be mistreated. If you feel yourself getting upset, tag in another family member or caregiver to help. It's okay to take a break when needed.
Offer Your Love and Time
Your love and time are the greatest things you can give to dementia and Alzheimer's patients. Whether you're with them full-time or simply visit, understanding the disease allows you to offer the support they need.
If you need help finding additional care and support for your loved one with dementia, we can help.
Find a full list of our services here and let us help your loved one age gracefully.
