A person living with Alzheimer's needs help coping with a unique set of challenges affecting their daily lives. According to the CDC, Alzheimer’s is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that affects over 6 million adults and is the most common type of dementia. As a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s, it’s crucial that you adapt to your patient’s individual needs.
The following are our 5 Top Tips for providing excellent care to people living with Alzheimer’s:
- Communicate effectively - Communicate in a way that will not distress your patient. Maintain eye contact and offer assurance if your patient makes mistakes or feels embarrassed. Ask simple questions requiring “yes” or “no” answers to minimize any confusion.
- Be patient - You may have to repeat yourself several times. Try to slow down and speak clearly so your patient can understand you better. Elderly patients may take longer to react during the conversation, so give them some time to respond and don’t interrupt them.
- Recognize sensory challenges - Too many distractions, hearing loss, and cognitive impairment can make conversation difficult. Try to find ways to help them overcome frustration and engage in conversations in quiet spaces without distractions.
- Ensure comfort - Maintaining comfort for people with Alzheimer's can be difficult. Simple gestures, such as offering a blanket or sweater, or making a cup of coffee or tea can ensure your patient's comfort.
- Set a routine - Creating a daily plan reduces restlessness, anxiety, and other challenging behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s. Be sure to consider your patient's abilities, likes, and dislikes when creating their routine. It’s also important to consider what time of day your patient functions best and when they may need breaks or become distracted.
For information, contact ACCESS Nursing Services, www.accessnursing.com.
About ACCESS Nursing Services
ACCESS Nursing Services, founded in 1985, is a leading regional provider of healthcare personnel to individual patients, as well as prestigious healthcare systems throughout New York and New Jersey. With more than 2,000 private duty nurses; RNs, LPNs, Aides, and caregivers in five city-center offices and seven hospital-based offices, ACCESS Nursing also offers a top-level Private Duty Nursing care in the hospital that can transition with you back home. For more information, www.accessnursing.com.
