1) Locate a Support Group and Stay Connected
Alzheimer’s support groups are available from the Alzheimer’s Association throughout the New Jersey area. The organization offers activities for the Alzheimer’s patient, and important resources that prepare, guide, and educate the caregiver. It is essential you have a support group where you can talk, laugh, and cry with others who understand the difficulties of caregiving.
2) Learn About What to Expect
Read books and articles addressing the progressive stages of Alzheimer’s. A complete home care analysis is available to design a customized plan that will guide and prepare you to handle in-home care services from Cherry Hill, NJ for all the stages of Alzheimer’s.
3) A Firm Commitment
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s requires a strong commitment and will probably continue for several years. You are the Alzheimer person’s lifeline, and you must either be there for them at all times or arrange alternative care. Find support for at-home senior care near Mt Laurel in Cherry Hill, NJ. We also offer in home senior care services for Harrison NJ residents.
4) Take Care of Yourself
Even though you dedicated yourself to their care, you must prioritize taking care of yourself. Find qualified care options to give yourself a break and do not hesitate to use them. For you to remain fresh and alert you must be mindful of meeting your own needs. The lifestyle you have lived will change, but it is important to retain some regular activities in your schedule.
5) Women and Alzheimer’s
Your mother or grandmother are twice as likely to get Alzheimer’s than your father or grandfather. Scientists are studying why more women get Alzheimer’s than men.
6) Communication
Communication with the Alzheimer’s person is vital. Focus early on establishing good communication. Your communication must be clear and non-critical. You must be able to respond and adjust for memory losses, know how to give directions, and be able to understand the conversation or gestures of the Alzheimer’s person.
7) Prepare for Behavioral Changes and Challenges
As the condition progresses you may consider live-in care provided by qualified people experienced in managing abusive or even violent behaviors of a frustrated Alzheimer’s patient.
8) Kindness and Patience
There is no substitute for kindness and patience when caring for a person with Alzheimer’s. Discover activities you both enjoy. Understand and acknowledge their fear and frustration over their growing loss of independence. Patiently help them to do as much as they can for themselves.
9) Decision Making
There will come a time when you will need to make important decisions on the person’s behalf. If possible, talk to them early on about the choices they would like in certain circumstances. Then you will be certain you are making decisions they would want.
10) Other Medical Conditions
Hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis are common secondary conditions. Managing other chronic diseases complicates daily caregiving vigilance such as providing and encouraging healthy food choices, appropriate exercise, blood sugar monitoring, giving medication, and medical appointments.
Summing It Up
Know what you are getting yourself into before you make the decision to become a caretaker. A caretaker’s role is extremely important. You will need to be strong, compassionate, and resilient. It is important to be able to see the world from the eyes of the Alzheimer’s person you are caring for.
