Reaching out for support and effective coping methods to aide an individual with Alzheimer's disease can be a challenge within itself. Proud to say, I have geriatric clinical training from Southwestern Michigan College and Home Instead Senior Care. Many hours of case studies and lectures have provided me with extensive and meaningful instruction that I'd love to share. Here, I am ecstatic to share essential tips in upholding an exuberant relationship between you and your loved ones:
Even if you have a different opinion, allow an individual with Alzheimer's to dominate. Alzheimer's patients tend to have mood swings at times of which they cannot control; wouldn't it be better to keep things calm instead of causing a commotion?
When the detrimental workings of Alzheimer's takes over, these dear people believe they know best. They are, as a whole, unaware that they have a disease that is affecting their brain and memory. Give them the pride they have accumulated throughout the years; you, as a caregiver, do not always have to be right in every or any situation.
As stated earlier, Alzheimer's disease causes our loved ones to experience attitudes and emotions that might not normally be a part of their character. Do not take things to heart, let it go and forgive.
It is possible that an individual with Alzheimer's can feel stripped of their decision making and freedom. At any time viable, involve them and allow them to feel in control.
A person's brain with Alzheimer's is being eroded in a progressive process. They might out of the blue speak of someone who has long ago past, or get angry about something that they feel happened two minutes ago, but in reality happened two years ago. What us as caregivers have a responsibility to do, I believe, is to redirect them. Flow the conversation into another more pleasant subject.
Caregivers who are just beginning may feel that telling a compassionate lie to a person with a disease is shameful. On the contrary, sometimes it can pave the way for a brighter day. I've known an individual suffering from Alzheimer's, and she absolutely despises all of the medication she has been ordered to take. When I bring her the medication, she gets angry and demands that, "this has got to stop." I agree with her and tell the compassionate lie of, "I will call the doctor on Monday to arrange some of the medications to be cancelled." She needs these medications to allow her to function in a more natural state throughout the day, and if she does not take them, it could cost her, her health. In this instance, telling a compassionate lie benefits the client.
Alzheimer's patients tend to be overwhelmed with too many stimuli going on at once, or choices to choose from. Our society today is comfortable with having the television on while listening to the radio, and having a conversation. This is too much and overwhelms a person with Alzheimer's disease. Try having one type of entertainment going at once, or only give two options for them to choose from for dinner. This makes decisions easier to handle, or perhaps
able to be done.
Allow them to do as much for themselves as possible; such as dressing or bathing. Give your loved one small tasks to keep them occupied throughout the day as well. When it is time to fold the laundry, give them one item at a time as to not smother their thoughts or actions.
For the Caregivers:
- Arrange breaks and outings for yourself in order to avoid the feeling of drowning
- Cherish the time you have together with your loved ones
- Take proper precautions; such as setting alarms on doors, or taking away car keys when necessary ~ Alzheimer's patients tend to wander and can find themselves lost
- Keep schedules consistent, as our treasured individuals tend to be more relaxed this way
Does anyone have an experience that they'd like to share? Have you tried one of these methods and it did not work? Perhaps tweaking it a bit is all that's needed.
I think these are al great tips, not only for dealing with alzheimer's patients but with people in general.
ReplyDeleteI almost Cried on the inside when I read the bit on compassionate lies, It's so sad, but like you said its not very effective to rile up people who have mental issues.
I really like the part about task participation, can alzheimer's patients play games? If so what kind of games would you recommend playing with them?
Luke, yes, Alzheimer's patients can play games. I would recommend playing a game that does not involve an extensive amount of memorization or too many steps--remember individuals with Alzheimer's are losing brain cells and memories at a fairly consistent rate on average. One might want to engage in putting together a puzzle as entertainment. Puzzles are great; they work the patient's critical thinking skills. Do not choose a puzzle with 100 pieces. Rather, choose a puzzle with a range from 20-5 pieces. Depending on the stage of the disease is what can help determine which puzzle to put together; later stages would need a puzzle of around five pieces. Another fun game is Hangman. This works the cognitive ability of Alzheimer's patients as well. Again, do not use too long of a word to guess, somewhere around 7-10 characters maximum. Fill-in the blank games are good entertainment and brain exercise. (i.e.- An apple a day keeps the doctor __________.) Of course, Alzheimer's patients may be able to play board games as well, such as Sorry, Trouble, or even Jenga. From my experience, if you are unsure of the level of difficultly of games, trial and error is the route to take. If your loved one or client is not able to partake in a certain degree of participation, take it down a notch until they are comfortable and having fun. :)
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