Caring for a family member or friend who has Alzheimer’s disease can be rewarding but very challenging, too. With a bit of patience, however, there are steps you can take to make life more enjoyable for both of you.
Daily Care
People with Alzheimer’s experience changes in thinking, remembering, and reasoning. The disease progressively gets worse and affects an individual’s daily living. They will eventually need help with tasks like bathing and dressing.
Here are some tips to help you navigate this journey.
Everyday Tips for Alzheimer’s Care
- Stick to a daily routine. Groom the patient and have them eat at designated times.
- Use a calendar. Help the individual write down to-do lists, appointments, and events.
- Plan daily activities the person enjoys.
- Buy loose-fitting, comfortable clothing for the person to wear. Focus on elastic waistbands and large zipper pulls. Stay away from shoelaces, buttons, or buckles.
- Tell the person what you are doing as you help them with everyday tasks. If they are able, let them do some things on their own.
Communication Tips
- Reassure the individual and speak calmly. Listen to their concerns and be understanding.
- Allow the person to stay in control of what they can in their lives.
- Respect personal space. Make room for daily quiet time and activities.
- Put familiar keepsakes and photographs around the house or room.
- Encourage communication. If this becomes hard, distract the person with an activity, book, or photo album. Talk to them.
Stay Fit and Active
Proper nutrition and staying active are key to helping a person with Alzheimer’s disease. Keep them busy with activities such as cooking, simple household chores, gardening, or an exercise routine. Plan a daily walk or try a few “mini workouts”. Offer healthy meals that are easy to prepare.
Plan activities the individual enjoys. Do an arts or crafts project. Make a memory book. Watch their favorite show or movie with them. Spend time with a household pet. Go to a local museum. Plant flowers. Plan a social activity.
Games help engage the mind. Play a board game or work on a puzzle. Listen to music. Paint a picture. Read a book together or make cards for people.
Home Safety Check List
As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, there is an increased risk of falls and other injuries. Here are tips to help keep a patient’s living space safe.
- Make sure there are handrails by the stairs. Mark stair edges with brightly colored tape.
- Put safety plugs into unused electrical outlets. Consider safety latches on cabinet doors.
- Ensure all well-used rooms or outdoor areas have good lighting.
- Lock up hazardous cleaning supplies and household products.
- If you are a caregiver, be sure to take care of yourself too. Ask for help when you need it. Join a caregiver’s support group. Take breaks, exercise, and make time for friends and hobbies.
When it comes to caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, it’s important to plan for the future. San Simeon by the Sound is a community-based not-for-profit skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and adult day care facility. It has been rated among the best nursing homes in America by U.S News & World Report.
