Daily tasks differ when the person you are caring for is mentally confused because of Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia.
In fact, most caregivers say they are on duty 24-hours-a-day when dealing with Alzheimer's Disease or dementia in their elderly parents. Every day brings new challenges.
For example, ensuring the elderly parent's safety can be difficult. Sundowners Syndrome brings increased confusion that becomes more apparent as night approaches. The elder often becomes angry, beiligerent, even abusive. And they can no longer perform basic tasks such as bathing and grooming. All of this falls on the caregiver's shoulders.
There are some tactics that help caregivers to cope with dementia and Alzheimer's
Pay attention to how you address the elder. Use easy-to-understand phrases and short sentences, but be careful to avoid talking to the person as if he or she were a child.
Patience is a virtue. Give your parent with Alzheimer's or dementia time to complete a sentence or thought. Try not to interrupt.
Stick to a routine.Alzheimer's and dementia patients may not always be aware of the routine, but in their more lucid moments, it helps to calm them and avoid agitation. For example, eat meals at about the same time every day. And use the bathroom and bathe at designated times.
Make meatime enjoyable. Offer one food at a time with the right utensil. Eliminate distractions. Eat in well-lit areas. Cut food into small pieces and wwitch to softer foods if choking occurs easily or your parent doesn't chew. Curved spoons, plates that are divided and straws make mealtime run more smoothly.
If eating is messy, put down a wipeable tablecloth, use spillproof cups, and offer an apron to keep clothes clean. If certain foods are off limits, keep them out of sight. Because poor nutrition and dehydration are common among those with Alzheimer's and dementia, watch for signs of these problems.
Bath with care. During the middle stages of Alzheimer's, elders often experience a fear of bathing.This could be due to faltering motor skills and an inability to process information. It's important to set a routine that closely mimics what the person used to do and to stick with it. Lay out everything you will need — towel, soap, bathrobe or clothes. Fill the tub or start the shower before bringing your aging parent into the bathroom.
Be gentle, calm, and reassuring while talking through the steps of the bath or shower one by one. Also, respect your parent's privacy as much as possible. You might consider covering portions of the person's body with a towel, but never leave a person alone in the tub. If a loved one resists bathing or becomes agitated, stop and try again later when he or she is in a good mood.