Alzheimer's disease will have significant and life-changing effects on both the patient and the caregiver involved. Caring for an individual afflicted with Alzheimer's at home presents difficult challenges. The most basic daily activities, including eating, bathing and finding activities for the patient to perform can be laborious to manage on one's own.
The caregiver plays a significant role regarding the quality of life an Alzheimer's patient will lead. It is essential to research and understand what is necessary to provide effective Alzheimer's care at home. In addition, the caregiver should be regularly assessed to ensure that he or she remains healthy, both physically and emotionally. The individual providing care should be aware of personal limitations, seek support where additional help is needed and make every effort to maintain as normal a life as possible.
There are numerous community agencies dedicated to the education of both the patient and caregiver. They can assist with everyday events that occur and provide needed support. Often an hour to pick up groceries, medications and other staples can make a world of difference to the caregiver and the patient. Adult day care provides needed respite to allow the caregiver the time needed to perform other family duties.
Simple adjustments made to the residence can provide significant benefits for an Alzheimer's patient living at home. Minor modifications such as lowering the levels of light during meals (which may improve eating habits), removing unnecessary clutter, keeping a patient's favorite music at a consistent volume for background effect and ensuring privacy can all positively impact daily living.
General safety precautions can be implemented to improve the patient's quality of life and minimize the potential for accidents. These include placing safety decals on glass doors to prevent the patient from walking into glass, storing household cleaners and other dangerous chemicals in a locked cabinet to prohibit access, removing or padding furniture with sharp edges and locking kitchen utensils in cabinets.
Advanced planning by the caregiver and continuous articulation to the patient regarding current and upcoming activities will simplify the daily regimen. The caregiver should seek out as much information as possible. Be honest about the demands placed on all parties including the financial consequences of all options under consideration. All family members face emotional challenges including coping with mortality, dealing with fear and other emotional issues. Be proactive with your concerns and talk to your doctor.
