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6 Ways to Look After a Parent with Alzheimer's
Written by OurParents Staff
about the author
5 minute readLast updated April 21, 2023
When it comes to our parents, we are usually very sensible. But, it can take a lot of patience and flexibility to get rid of frustration, especially when it comes to understanding that your loved ones are suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Nevertheless, there are some helpful ways to approach this difficult subject. Learn more about ways to take care of your parents with dementia.
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Ways you can help ease dementia caregiving
Although it can be hard — especially as their disease progresses — to help look after your loved one with dementia, there are things you can do to help ease the frustration and increase your patience while caring for them. Some steps you can take include: 1. Scheduling. In order to keep your parents or loved ones safe, you have to establish a routine that will make your ordinary day more predictable, stable and less stressful. Schedule doctor appointments, bath times and dining for the part of the day your loved ones seem to be calmer. Notice when they seem to become more agreeable, whether it’s the start of the day or the end of the day, and if there are times when they exhibit difficult dementia behaviors. This routine can help your parents become familiar with things that should be done in a proper way.
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2. Using cues. Explain regular, everyday things. For example, if you name a drawer for what is inside, your parent will most likely put things in the correct place you suggested. Do the same thing with your kitchen and bath things. This will ease things for both you and your parents. 3. Remove dangers. Remove things that could endanger loved ones. For instance: knives, car keys and matches. Remember, as a caregiver, you are responsible for little things that could lead to serious problems. 4. Use technology. Good thing, we are living in the 21st century and have access to great technologies. If you are away, you can set a mobile monitoring service that will track a GPS location and monitor calls and messages. That way, you can look after your parents from your computer and ease any worries you may have while you are away from them. This technology is appropriate for those in the early-mid stage of the disease. You can also help take care of your parents with a home monitoring app that will give you access to your home and inform you of any unusual power supply activity. 5. Create limitations. Provide limited choices in clothes, for instance, like setting out two outfits instead of a wardrobe. Also limit your instructions to one step at a time. If you are having a conversation, limit surrounding distractions like the TV and radio. It will help your loved ones stay focused on the conversation.
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6. Don’t think you have to do everything on your own. Unfortunately, there are times when we cannot cope with caring with someone with dementia on our own. As frustrating as it may seem, in these moments, you should ask for help. Hiring a home care aide or nurse is an option for those who need assistance for a couple of hours a day. Memory care communities, however, can provide a designated environment for your loved one to age safely. These communities offer activities and therapies designed to slow the progress of cognitive decline. If you’re struggling to care for a loved one with dementia on your own, reach out to our Senior Advisors to discuss memory care options near you. They can discuss your family’s unique situation, help schedule tours, and point you in the right direction to get your parent the care they need.
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