There are currently over six million Americans with Alzheimer’s. It can be overwhelming when a loved one transitions from being independent to requiring extra help and later full-time care. If you join the nearly 11 million Americans providing Alzheimer’s care, you can take comfort in knowing you’re not alone.
Many have succeeded in similar situations-and even found ways to increase their loved ones’ and their own enjoyment in life. We’ve put together five pro tips for caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. Following them can make the journey as smooth and pleasant as possible for everyone involved.
1. Learn More About Alzheimer’s
Everyone has heard about Alzheimer’s. But when it directly impacts your family, you may be left wondering, what is Alzheimer’s, exactly?
It’s important to understand that Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease. It gradually affects a person’s memory and thinking abilities. It’s caused by plaques and tangles in the brain and problems transmitting signals between nerve cells in the brain.
Alzheimer’s affects individuals differently, but common symptoms include:
- Speech difficulties
- Problems with reasoning
- Asking the same questions repeatedly
Learning more about how the disease progresses and strategies for helping someone with Alzheimer’s can help you prepare for your loved one’s decline.
2. Access Support Groups
It’s easy to feel like we’re the only ones providing Alzheimer’s care in Bridgeland or the surrounding area. But the Alzheimer’s Association runs local and virtual support groups that can help, assuring you that you’re never alone.
They provide general advice and niche support for children, young carers, and early-stage Alzheimer’s care.
3. Help Them Stay Active
There are many benefits to remaining active, especially when you have Alzheimer’s. If your loved one enjoys walking, tennis, or exercise classes, keep them as involved as possible. Doing so can help them keep their strength up, retain their balance, and maintain their confidence in leaving the home.
4. Focus on Communication
Communication is one of the biggest challenges anyone helping someone with Alzheimer’s can face. However, some practical tips include:
- Choose simple words
- Speak calmly and kindly
- Give them their dignity by not talking about them in front of them
- Offer a few options to support decision-making
5. Do What They Love
Alzheimer’s care isn’t just about life’s practicalities. It can also involve fun activities for the carer and the person with Alzheimer’s.
Think about the activities they used to love. Did they enjoy singing, dancing, or going to the movies? These options stimulate their brains, keep them active, and get you both laughing!
How to Succeed in Caring for Someone With Alzheimer’s
The expert tips above can help anyone caring for someone with Alzheimer’s to make the process as comfortable as possible. But when the time comes that your loved one needs extra support, SilverCrest is here to provide outstanding Bridgeland Alzheimer’s care.
Our assisted living and memory care facilities are safe, secure, and comfortable. They’re perfectly tailored to the needs of those with Alzheimer’s and feature high staffing levels, so your loved ones are always well cared for.
Why not visit us and see what we have to offer? Click here to schedule a tour or request further information about our services.
