Persons suffering from Dementia or Alzheimer’s are prone to forgetting things very easily. As a result, they easily lose track of their daily routines and tasks. This increases the necessity of having a caregiver or family member to look out for them. However, it might prove difficult if the caregiver has never had an experience with persons suffering from a similar health challenge.
So, we have taken the time to compile the tips to guide you in providing adequate care for Alzheimer’s or Dementia patients. Furthermore, we recommend Mary Osborne for any other services you may need regarding any Alzheimer’s-related issues.
Daily task care tips for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia
- Establish a simple daily routine
People who have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease are prone to feeling frustrated when they can’t do previously simple tasks. So, it is wise to establish a routine that they must follow daily. When arranging the tasks, put more demanding tasks such as medical appointments and bathing at times when they feel more refreshed.
Doing this allows them to be more effective in carrying out those tasks. This further boosts their self-confidence and esteem. It also reduces their chances of making mistakes and getting frustrated with themselves.
- Keep the individual busy.
It isn’t wise to allow people suffering from dementia to stay inactive. Make them do as much as possible with little or no assistance. It forces their brains to think and improve their problem-solving abilities.
When you do this, make sure you don’t make them feel caged. Please provide them with choices. For example, you can make them choose between folding the clothes and doing the dishes.
- Bathing them
Alzheimer’s and dementia patients suffer from poor judgment and choice-making abilities. Provide them with a bathing stool to prevent them from falling. If they find it difficult to get in or out of the bath, we recommend that you resort to sponge baths.
Respect their privacy and only do things they’re comfortable with. You might as well place a towel over their lap and shoulders, then clean under the towels with a sponge or washcloth. Importantly, keep them informed of everything you’re doing all through the process.
- Allow Feeding Choices
A person with Alzheimer’s or dementia might tend to be picky when eating. You must be patient with them and allow them to make choices. However, make sure the choices are not too much to avoid getting them confused. Whatever the choices, make sure their meals are balanced and rich in vegetables and fruits.
Make sure there are as few distractions as possible around during mealtime. Turn off the TV and radio sets. Also, move unnecessary items off the table. Use plates with colors that contrast that of the table mat. It makes it easier for them to differentiate their plate from the table.
- Dressing them up
Allow the affected individual to dress by themselves and only interfere when there’s an important need to. Laying their clothes out on the other they prefer to put them on makes it easier to dress independently.
The individual might prefer to repeat the same clothes every day. If this happens, don’t fight them or object to their opinion. An easier way to go about this is by buying several sets of the same clothes. Get them loose shirts that are easy to put on. Furthermore, their pants should come with elastic bands to further reduce their chances of getting things mixed up.
- Their oral health
The oral health of a person living with dementia or Alzheimer’s will deteriorate with time. Make it a routine to make the patient clean and floss their teeth. This will avoid the need for an extensive dental cleanup or service from a professional in the later stages of the disease.
As the symptoms of Alzheimer’s progress into the middle and late stages, the individual may find it difficult to brush their teeth properly. They may even forget what toothpaste is used for or how a toothbrush is held. When it gets to this stage, offer to assist the patient in cleaning his mouth.
Conclusion
Taking care of a person with dementia or Alzheimer’s can be very tiring. This is more so at the middle or late stages of the disease. Hopefully, we believe that the tips above will give you headway with that. You’ll find tips about how you groom, dress, bathe and feed them to help you establish a healthy routine.
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