Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. It is the most common cause of dementia among seniors. It is hard to understand what someone living with Alzheimer’s disease goes through because you can’t experience what they feel. For them, every day is different from the previous day, and it can frustrate them.

As a caregiver, it might be unpredictable for you too. This is why we have prepared this Alzheimer specific care guide for you.

What We’ll Cover In This Article:

• How To Communicate With Your Loved One
• How To Deal With Incontinence
• What To Do When Your Loved One Has Hallucinations And Delusions?
• How To Cope With Outbursts
• What To Do If A Senior with Alzheimer’s, Wanders

How To Communicate With Your Loved One

Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may struggle to understand what you are trying to tell them. They may also find it challenging to explain to you what they need. 

To improve your quality of communication:

• When you are talking to your loved one, switch off auditory distractions on the television, radio, and any other device. This will help them concentrate on what you are saying.
• Explain things in simple, easy to understand words and short sentences. Try to match their talking speed. This makes it easier for them to understand you.
• They might take time to make a point, and you may feel the need to interrupt, but don’t do that. Be patient and wait for their response.
• Before addressing them, call them by their name to get their attention.
• If a loved one with Alzheimer's is having difficulty finding a word, remind them with love and respect. Try to frame instructions and questions positively to avoid upsetting your loved one.
• Although they may behave differently, seniors with Alzheimer’s are still adults; don’t treat them like children.

How To Deal With Incontinence

As the disease progresses, they may not be able to control their bowel movements and their bladder. This can be very frustrating to seniors and challenging for the caregiver. Consult your doctor because it may be caused by physical illness. Regularly get a full medical check-up done so you know if their condition is worsening. 

Some tips for you to help control the situation:

• Have a routine for using the bathroom and follow it. This may be after every meal, or after every three hours. Ensure they visit the bathroom even before they ask.
• Act fast when you see them restless, pulling their clothes, or showing any signs that they need to use the bathroom.
• To avoid night accidents, reduce their fluid intake before going to bed.
• If you are on a trip together, research and be aware of where the bathrooms are. Also, see that they wear clothes that are easy to unzip. It is wise to carry extra clothing just in case of an accident.
• Lastly, don’t be annoyed when an accident occurs. Be calm about it, and respond with love.
  

Hallucinations And Delusions

Some seniors with Alzheimer’s suffer from delusions and hallucinations. Hallucinating is when an individual smells, sees, or tastes something that is not there. Delusions are beliefs that a person regards as true even if they are not factually correct. 

How to handle these two issues:

• Sometimes delusions and hallucinations are a sign of physical illness. Ensure you mention it to your doctor.
• Don’t tell them that what they believe or see is not real. Instead, react to what they are feeling, comfort them, and assure them of protection if they are scared. 
• Distract them with a different activity. Moving to another room can be helpful too.
• A senior with Alzheimer’s disease may not be able to differentiate between what is real and what is not. It is, therefore, critical that you switch off television stations airing violent signs and horror movies.
• Ensure they don’t access things they can use to hurt themselves or the people around them.

How To Cope With Outbursts

“Meltdowns” are normal for those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. This is hard because you are used to your parents being calm and in control. Sudden behaviour change can, therefore, be very disturbing. They might complain, use foul words and be extremely angry or fearful. 

Do not freak out or let yourself be annoyed. Instead, be calm and listen to them. This may help you figure out why they are feeling the way they do, and next time, you may be able to contain the situation. You may also learn how to prevent future outbursts.

People With Alzheimer’s Should Be Treated With Love

What To Do If A Senior with Alzheimer’s, Wanders

The most important task as a caregiver is to ensure that your loved one is safe. Sometimes a senior with Alzheimer’s will wander from their home or nursing facility.

Tips to limit wandering and ensure they don’t get lost:

• Ensure they have an identity bracelet or medication bracelet. This will help others know how to help when they see them.
• If there is an Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return program, enrol your loved one. Informing neighbours and authorities about their condition can also be helpful.
• Visit the nearest police post in your area and see whether there is a department to locate wandering individuals.
• Be sure to always have current photos and videos of the person to provide to the police during a search in case they get lost.
• Add an extra lock to the top or bottom of the door. If they get too familiar with the old locks, add a new one.
• Throw out anything that might be dangerous from the house. 

As their condition progresses in severity, seniors with Dementia or Alzheimer’s and their families may require a lot of help. Do reach out to us at Care Concierge if you need specialised care for your family members. If you’re looking to place them in a dedicated dementia home, check out The Mansion or speak to us.

Contact us on 1300 22 8822 or drop us a message using the chat box on this page, to find out more about our caregivers and how they can help make life more convenient for your loved ones and you.