As you probably already know, being a caregiver for a loved one with a disease as serious as Alzheimer’s can be a pretty challenging job to say the least. Caregivers must practice patience and tolerance each day to meet the changing needs of their loved one with AD.
Here are some tips from Mayo Clinic to help lower the frustration of the important job you do everyday as a caregiver:
Spread out tasks evenly throughout the day in order to avoid overwhelming your loved one with too many things at one time.
Maintain a regular daily routine and be sure to schedule the most challenging activities (such as visits to the physician) at a time when your loved one functions the best during the day. This could be in the early morning or perhaps after an afternoon nap-the key is to remain flexible.
Don’t try to rush through tasks, plan for ample time to complete things in a relaxed manner. If you become rushed and stressed out, he/she will pick up on your stress and it will adversely his/her ability to perform daily tasks. Remember that stress is contagious.
Keep choices to one or two for food options, clothing options, etc. The fewer selections he/she has to make the better-but it’s important to keep your loved one actively involved in the daily decision making process.
Keep instructions clear and as brief as possible when you are talking your loved one with AD through tasks. Be sure to reduce distractions and try to keep his/her focus obn your conversation as much as possible.
As the disease of Alzheimer’s progresses, your loved one’s level of functioning will decrease as well. It’s important to stay flexible, avoid rigidity and keep adjusting the daily routing according to where he/she is at. Don’t worry about doing it perfectly. There is no right way, only the way that works best for your loved one and you.
Learn more about caring for those with Alzheimer’s by signing up for our 25 lesson course on Alzheimer’s for caregivers at Alzu.org by CLICKING HERE.
