Early mornings. Late nights. Tears that seem to come out of the blue, and at the worst possible moments. This is a glimpse of what it may be like to support somebody, to care for somebody with Alzheimer’s. Maybe it’s your mother or father, a grandparent or spouse, or perhaps a sibling or close friend.
As a family caregiver supporting somebody with Alzheimer’s, life is going to be difficult. It can feel overwhelming at times. The longer you do this, the more real that statement becomes.
At some point in time, you may long for it all to be over, but then feel guilty for even thinking such a thing. How much more can you handle? How much more can you take?
If that describes you, these are some tips that may help. If you’re just stepping into these murky waters, these rough seas, take note that there are wonderful elder care options available, including Alzheimer’s home care support services.
You don’t have to do this alone. Rely on an in-home care agency with experienced caregivers to assist. They don’t have to take over completely, but before long, you will realize the value of respite care options.
In the meantime, let’s talk about a few of these tips that can help.
Tip #1: Keep a consistent routine.
You might have kids to raise, teenagers who are driving you crazy. You may have a job that fluctuates hours. That can make consistency more challenging. However, where you have the ability, to maintain a consistent routine with this aging senior who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
If you show up at 7:30 in the morning, show up at the same time every morning, if that’s your routine. Try to avoid showing up at 7:30 one day and then 9 o’clock the next. The same holds for evening visits or other activities that you do with the senior.
Tip #2: Write down tasks the senior needs to do.
Some people don’t want to lug a notebook around with them, but if they have everything written down that they need to do and cross it off as they do it, it will become much easier for them to manage the confusion that will arise more often as the disease progresses.
Tip #3: Develop reminder tools for taking medication.
Whether it’s a smartphone app, a calendar you hang on the refrigerator, or some other device or technique, develop reminder tools to help seniors keep track of their medication schedule. An Alzheimer’s home care aide who is licensed in administering medications can help, which is often referred to as a visiting nurse, but so can another person who simply offers reminders at the same, consistent time each day.
Tip #4: Rely on loose-fitting, comfortable clothes.
Something with elastic, large zippers or that is easy to manipulate and put on, zip up, or button will be beneficial for somebody with Alzheimer’s. As their memory fails, so will their fine motor skills and patience.
Simplifying the process of getting ready, changing, getting dressed, and so on will make things a little easier for that aging senior.
Tip #5: Turn to respite care options.
An in-home care aide can give you and the senior some respite care from each other. It doesn’t have to be full-time; part-time, a couple of days a week can be more than enough to help rejuvenate both of you.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Home Care in Arlington, VA, please contact the caring staff at Access Home Care Inc today! Call (703) 765-9350
Access Home Care provider in Arlington, Alexandria, Leesburg, Reston, Herndon, Manassas, Ashburn, Falls Church, McLean, Lorton, Springfield, Woodbridge, Fairfax, Virginia and the surrounding communities.
“My desire to enter into nursing started when one of my older sisters died of kidney disease due to lack of care. At age 15, I decided to enter into nursing so that I could provide quality care to patients.Upon arrival in United States at 21 years of age, I enrolled in T.C Willliams School of Practical Nursing while working as a nursing assistant at a nursing home. I also worked as a part-time home health aide to take of the elderly. After completion of my practical nurse education, I worked in geriatric psychiatry unit at Dominion Hospital and Arlington Correctional facility mental health unit.
I completed Marymount University in 2001 and entered into Home Care as a field case manager.
I held that position for 2 years and as an Administrator, and for another 2 years until Access Home Care was found in 2004."
Today, Access Home Care has over 300 employees and 286 clients.
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