Caring for Loved Ones with Alzheimer's at Home

If someone you care for has developed Alzheimer's disease, it will gradually affect their memory, how they think, and how they behave, but this does not necessarily mean they need to be admitted to a hospital or a care home immediately. They may be able to enjoy a high quality of life at home for several years to come, and for this reason, many choose to care for loved ones at home where they are comfortable and their surroundings are more familiar. Of course, you will still want to ensure that you provide the highest level of care possible.

If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's at home, this article could provide some helpful tips to remember.

Educate yourself about the disease

It is important to understand as much as possible about the disease to prepare yourself for what to expect both in the short and long term. Symptoms are likely to worsen gradually, and some days may be more manageable.  

Maintain a consistent routine

It can be helpful for both you and your loved one to establish and maintain a consistent routine, e.g., having familiar people around, regular mealtimes, walks, activities, and bedtime to help minimise distress and confusion.

Keep them active and engaged

Mental stimulation such as games, puzzles, hobbies, learning new skills, spending time with pets, visiting new places, and even light physical exercise can all benefit people living with Alzheimer's disease. If you do these activities together, they can also help to strengthen your bond and create precious memories.

Find ways to keep communicating

Communication can become difficult for people with Alzheimer's, which can cause distress and sadness, but there are ways you can help. Be patient, smile, speak calmly, and maintain open body language when your loved one is talking. Try to keep eye contact, and it might also be helpful to hold their hand and use their name regularly during a conversation. If they find it difficult to express themselves in full sentences, ask questions that can be answered with a yes or no, but always encourage them to take part in a conversation and take their feelings and wishes into account.

Maintain a healthy hygiene routine

Bathing, washing clothes, changing clothes, shaving, trimming nails, brushing teeth, and general personal care can all become challenges for people with Alzheimer's, so you may need to help them stick to a hygiene routine. This will help their self-esteem and prevent infections or physical discomfort. If you or they are not comfortable with providing personal care in this way, there are professional care at home services that can help.

Provide a nutritious and balanced diet

Diet is vital when trying to help a person with Alzheimer's stay healthy, and some people with the disease can find it difficult to remember to eat or how to prepare food. This can make them reliant on fast food or cause them to eat too much or too little if they cannot remember when they ate last. In the advanced stages of the disease, they may have trouble chewing or swallowing.

You may be able to address dietary challenges by sticking to regular mealtimes, ensuring their meals are nutritionally and portion balanced, familiar, and easy to consume.

Help them maintain their identity

Alzheimer's can rob a person of their self-esteem, confidence, and sense of identity. In addition to physical and medical care, helping them to remember what makes them special to you can go a long way to improving their quality of life. Celebrate their achievements and the tasks they can complete alone, compliment them, remind them of happy memories and their talents, look at photos of loved ones with them, and enable them to maintain control of their own life as much as possible for as long as possible.