Your whole world can turn upside down when a family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. As the disease progresses, the patient, usually, experiences difficulty in remembering new information, and is likely to suffer from the following symptoms.
- Inability to solve routine problems and complete familiar activities.
- Mental (or temporal) and spatial confusion.
- Memory loss that can disrupt daily life.
- Problems with using words while speaking or writing.
- Inability to retrace steps, and misplacing things.
- Changes in mood, depression, or apathy.
- Isolation or withdrawal from social activities.
Caregivers can often feel overwhelmed with the enormity of their responsibilities. Just as a patient, they may also cycle through various emotions such as resentment, sadness, anger, and despair. ‘It is important to remember that whatever you’re feeling is absolutely normal and does not, in any way, reflect on the way you feel about your loved one,’says, Dr. Robert Mathew, President of Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI), Trivandrum Chapter. Whether you actively provide care or not, here are a few practical tips on how to live with an Alzheimer’s patient, keep them safe, and preserving their dignity.
Make necessary changes in the house
Pick a room for the patient and furnish it with their favourite and familiar things to provide a sense of comfort. The room must have adequate privacy. It is better to pick a room on the ground floor to avoid trouble with stairs. Evaluate the living space for safety and make necessary changes.
Involve all family members
If you have kids, let them know about the diagnosis and seek their help in making grandpa or grandma (the patient) feel comfortable. Educate them about the symptoms of the disease so they don’t get upset when their favourite grandparent forgets their names. Caring for and living with an Alzheimer’s patient can put enormous strain on your marriage as well. Make sure that you keep the communication lines open with your spouse too.
Make a schedule and stick to it
Caring for the patient becomes easier when you follow a predictable daily routine. Prepare a daily schedule and stick to it as much as you can.
Don’t take on all caregiving responsibilities on your own
While it is noble to want to care for your parent or a loved one all on your own, remember that it can push you to your limit and overwhelm you. Realise that you won’t be able to do it all on your own. Don’t be ashamed to ask for other members to pitch in. You could even hire full-time help if you can afford it. If you’re not the active caregiver, you should help the person who is caring for the patient.
Plan ahead for the future
‘As difficult as it may be to accept, there may come a time when you find it simply impossible to care for your loved one. If you are unable to hire full-time help, you may want to consider a long-term care facility,’ says Dr. Mathew. You may approach your local ARDSI chapters to learn more about daycare or long term care options.
Photo source: Getty images
You may also like to read:
- Can regular exercise help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease?
- World Alzheimer’s day 2014: Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
- Natural remedies for Alzheimer’s disease
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