Many people with dementia and Alzheimer’s find themselves needing in home care. Once it’s no longer safe for them to stay in their homes alone, it’s normal to keep them in a comfortable place, while also providing them with help.
Dementia care and Alzheimer’s care are difficult, though, even for experienced home caretakers.
We’re here to teach you a few ways that you can make it easier. Learn more about Alzheimer’s and improve your home care today.
Make a Routine
Sticking with a consistent routine is a great way to make home care easier on you and on your patient. People thrive on routines, and they may make it easier for someone to stay as sharp as possible despite their condition.
Try to make sure that your day starts at around the same time every day. Set up specific times for meals, activities, appointments, bathing, and other necessities.
A routine might help your patient learn how to anticipate what’s coming next and being thrown out of the routine could be upsetting.
Be Flexible
Having a routine doesn’t mean that you need to hold steadfast to it when your situation doesn’t allow for that. You also need to be flexible if you want to provide the best home care.
Remember that it’s always possible that some tasks may take longer on some days than others. You may need to reschedule a doctor’s appointment, or your patient might not be cooperating.
If you’re not ready for this, you might get upset. Allow yourself some wiggle room to prepare for the unexpected.
Allow and Encourage Independence
Just because you’re caring for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s doesn’t mean that they’re not capable of doing things for themselves. They’re limited in their abilities, but they likely still want to be somewhat independent.
Depending on the patient, there are several different ways it can manifest. Sometimes it means allowing patients to do small chores or get dressed. Other times, it means that you’re giving them choices of what they want to do or eat instead of imposing it.
Allowing your patient to make these decisions on their own keeps them sharper and provides them with autonomy.
Know When it’s Time for Other Choices
At some point, home care might be too difficult. There’s nothing wrong with deciding that you need to reconsider other choices.
Memory care facilities or other long-term care facilities are great for patients who are no longer able to receive adequate care in their homes. These places are safe and offer programs like memory therapy to help with your patient’s condition.
Make At-Home Alzheimer’s Care Easier on Everyone
Alzheimer’s care is difficult, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t ways to make it easier and more comfortable for all involved parties. It’s great to allow the patient to stay in a comfortable place while they’re going through Alzheimer’s.
When you decide that it’s time to move the patient to a care facility in Minneapolis, we want to hear from you. Contact our compassionate team so we can help you decide what your next best steps are.
