| SolveYourProblem
Article Series: Alzheimers Disease
Help Me Understand Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's
Disease Tips For Caregivers
In many cases the primary caregivers are family
members who are close to the patient. Whether the individual
with Alzheimer's is an older parent or the wife or husband
it will become increasingly apparent that there are changes
taking place that make the dependency of the patient new emotional
ground to navigate. Understanding and preparing for this issue
will help everyone concerned to learn to cope with the times
that frustration, confusion or even anger make an appearance.
It
is essential in matters of long term care that practical
issues take the forefront. This will provide a mechanism for
coping with the highly emotional aspect of a long term illness.
So it follows that one of the groundworks for long term care
will be establishing a solid routine for the patient. Regular
meal times, bath times, times for medication and times for
other enjoyable activities help both the patient and caregiver
to move forward. Creating a calm, clean and if need be quiet
environment as well can help the Alzheimer's patient focus
a little better and encourages cooperation. As well, when it
becomes obvious that some tasks are becoming difficult to perform,
for example, tying one's shoes - the caregiver can look for
a solution and substitute perhaps some slip-ons. Even issues
such as having comfortable clothes can sometimes help ease
a situation.
As much as possible the caregiver will want to project
a positive and cheerful attitude. Often, as this disease progresses, the
patient will become frustrated with their inability to perform
even simple tasks. Everyone is benefited if the patient is
given the secure feeling that there is no pressure or rush.
That they are in a safe environment and will be treated with
care and dignity. Though some patients may not be aware of
what their behavior is incurring they may certainly pick up
on hearing negative remarks and understand that they are causing
problems. This will only add to their anger and frustration
at having failed in some way. So if a caregiver needs to let
out some of their frustration it is best to seek out good friends
and perhaps people in similar situations that can really understand
and give them the emotional and practical support they need.
It is vitally important that whoever is the primary caregiver
take a break when they start to feel that matters are taking
a toll on their emotional or physical health. This will require
finding suitable people who are able to step in from time to
time and allow the caregiver to step away for a while. As well,
it is suggested that searching out local support groups (and
there are increasingly more of them) will help the caregiver
to give voice to the frustrations and anger in an environment
where others truly understand what they are going through.
Another source of support and help will be the family
doctor.
By making the physician aware of the particular circumstances
you are facing he or she will be in a better position to monitor
your health and possible direct you to other avenues of support.
Ultimately there can be no hard and fast rules that apply
to everybody. And it is good to keep that in mind. Everyone's
circumstances will vary. It is a loving gesture to be ready
to care for someone who has a long term illness. Hopefully,
with insight, care and planning the caregiver will find the
best way to cope with their unique circumstance.
# # # # #
by SolveYourProblem.com
: 2009
> Home > Alzheimers
Articles : Main Page
|
