Caregiving for someone with Alzheimer's
If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, your role in managing daily tasks will increase as the disease progresses. Consider practical tips that can help the person with dementia participate as much as possible and enable you to manage tasks effectively.
A person with dementia might become agitated when once-simple tasks become difficult. To limit the challenges and ease the frustration, here’s some tips to help:
-Establish a daily routine. Some tasks, such as bathing or medical appointments, are easier when the person is most alert and refreshed. Allow some flexibility for spontaneous activities or particularly difficult days.
-Anticipate that tasks may take longer than they used to and schedule more time for them. Allow time for breaks during tasks.
-Allow the person with dementia to do as much as possible with the least amount of assistance. For example, he or she might be able to set the table with the help of visual cues or dress independently if you lay out clothes in the order they go on.
-Provide some, but not too many, choices every day. For example, provide two outfits to choose from, ask if he or she prefers a hot or cold beverage, or ask if he or she would rather go for a walk or see a movie.
-People with dementia best understand clear, one-step communication.
-Avoid multiple or prolonged naps during the day. This can minimize the risk of getting days and nights reversed.
Each person with Alzheimer's disease will experience its symptoms and progression differently. Tailor these practical tips to your family member's needs.
Patience and flexibility — along with self-care and the support of friends and family — can help you deal with the challenges and frustrations ahead.
As the Alzheimer's disease progresses the challenges to the caregiver will also increase. That’s when professional help might be necessary. A home care service agency can help you find the right caregiver to your loved one.
Home care services—not to be confused with home health care services—send a home care aide to your home to help you care for a person with Alzheimer's. These aides provide personal care and/or company for the person. They do not provide skilled medical care. Aides are usually not medical professionals. They assist with daily activities such as bathing and dressing and may even help with light housekeeping, transportation, and errands. Home care aides may come for a few hours or stay for 24 hours.
What to know about costs:
Home care services generally charge by the hour. Some services charge a flat rate for staying overnight.
Medicare and private health insurance may cover some home care costs, though non-medical care is generally not covered. Check with your health plan.
Long-term care insurance may cover personal care and homemaker services.
Home health care aides are skilled, licensed medical professionals who come to your home and help you recover from a hospital stay, illness, or injury. Aides provide skilled nursing care, physical, occupational, or speech therapy, and other medical services coordinated by your doctor. You need a doctor’s order for home health care services.
What to know about costs:
Medicare or private health insurance may cover skilled medical care services in your home. Check with your insurer before signing an agreement.
You must pay all costs not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance.
You should get as much information as possible about a home care service before you sign an agreement. Ask providers for references from people who have used their services. You can also check with community, county, or State agencies that regulate health services or contact the Better Business Bureau in your area.