How to Cope With Advanced Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's is a brain disease affecting millions of people. There is no cure, but through research, there is a better understanding of the progression of the illness. The caregiver's mental and physical health plays an important role in the discussion of this debilitating disease. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

• 1

  Join a support group. As the caretaker of a person with Alzheimer's, you must maintain your health and well-being. The ability to talk to other people with the same experience as you can help you feel less isolated. Take care of yourself and have someone you trust give you a break weekly, if possible. Find information on the Mayo clinic website to help you locate a support group.

• 2

  Organize a daily routine. Repetitive activities are easier for a person with Alzheimer's to remember. Mealtimes, bedtime and periods of exercise should be done at the same time each day to avoid confusion.

• 3

  Reduce distractions. Too much activity can agitate someone with any type of brain disease. Try to maintain a calm environment for the Alzheimer's patient, like reducing noise and activity at mealtime and keeping visitors to a minimum during high stress times of the day.

• 4

  Maintain good nutrition, if possible. Nutrition may not alter the progress of the disease but is important for general health issues. At times the person with Alzheimer's will simply forget to eat and must be encouraged to do so. Ill-fitting dentures may cause a problem. Things that we take for granted, such as using eating utensils, may be forgotten. Keep mealtime simple.

• 5

  Prepare for wandering. As a person becomes more confused, they may start to wander off. Sometimes it is associated with a life-long routine, such as leaving for work. Keep rooms closed off if necessary, have secure locks on outside doors and take note of when the wandering occurs. If it happens the same time every day, be prepared to divert them to some other activity.

• 6

  Do a safety check. Loose rugs, stairways and electrical cords are fall hazards. Walk through the house and correct anything that could pose a possible danger.

• 7

  Plan for the future. Eventually, the Alzheimer's patient may require more care than you can supply at home. At the end-stage of the disease, even the most caring family may have to consider a long-term care facility. Your physician can help you with this decision.