How to Provide Care for Someone with Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, nonreversible brain condition that occurs in older adults. The hallmark symptom of Alzheimer's disease is memory loss, although many people experience impairment in attention, decision-making, language and basic daily activities such as eating or getting dressed. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease is a significant challenge. Patients easily become disoriented and frustrated, taking a mental and emotional toll on the caregiver. Learning basic caregiving skills and strategies makes it easier to cope with the stresses of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease.

Instructions

• 1

  Assess your loved one's mental and physical status with the help of a physician or neuropsychologist. Determine what cognitive deficits the person is experiencing, and identify any recurring behavioral issues, such as frustration, anxiety or hallucinations. Include problems in activities of daily living, such as reading, writing, paying bills, bathing, dressing, taking medications and eating.

• 2

  Create strategies to address behavioral problems such as aggression, repetition, hallucinations and wandering. The Alzheimer's Association recommends remaining calm and identifying the problem while speaking in a soft and reassuring voice. Draw your loved one's attention away from the frightening or distressing situation by distracting her with an alternative activity. Avoid raising your voice, using physical restraint or trying to counteract a behavior, as this can cause further frustration and aggression.

• 3

  Schedule daily activities with which the person needs assistance. Create a morning and evening routine that involves a logical progression of activities to minimize confusion and frustration. Simplify the grooming process when possible by picking out clothes, providing simple instructions, gathering bathing supplies and reminding the person to use the bathroom. Using a direct, firm tone and sticking to a routine helps your loved one feel less distressed.

• 4

  Engage your loved one in short, hands-on activities. Reading a novel or doing a crossword puzzle may be difficult and frustrating because of his cognitive deficits. Instead, do the dishes, fold laundry, listen to music, complete an art project or play cards. The Alzheimer's Association recommends focusing on the process of doing the activity, not the end result. Encourage him, and offer assistance as necessary.

• 5

  Locate daytime care centers for older adults with dementia and other cognitive issues. These centers provide activities under the supervision of licensed caregivers. Drop your loved one off at a care center for a few hours while you run errands or enjoy some alone time. This reduces your stress as a caregiver without endangering the person by leaving her alone in the house.

• 6

  Join an Alzheimer's disease support group, and enlist the help of family members. Create a list of trusted friends and relatives who can care for your loved one for a few hours or several days when you need a break. Asking other people for assistance reduces caregiver stress and makes you more effective at providing safe, loving care.