Caring for an elderly loved one with Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming at times, especially if you have no experience with this disease. However, with patience, commitment, and a positive outlook, you can provide your loved one with a warm environment that keeps him or her calm and alleviates some of the symptoms. Here are some tips that can help you provide high-quality care to a loved one with Alzheimer’s.
1. Learn as Much as Possible About Alzheimer’s
You don’t need to be a professional caregiver, but it’s a good idea to learn as much about the disease as possible. You can conduct research at the library, via online Alzheimer’s sites, or by speaking with your loved one’s medical providers. The more you know about providing high-quality Alzheimer’s care, the better. Being armed with knowledge can enable you to keep your loved one safe and alleviate many of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
One of the first things to consider is whether and when to hire a professional caregiver for your loved one. Families looking for top-rated Dallas senior home care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
2. Enlist the Help of Others
Taking on too much can lead to caregiver burnout. When you’re unhealthy, you put your loved one in danger. Therefore, you need to ask your siblings to help out with your loved one’s care. If your family isn’t available to help, consider using respite care. There are home care agencies that provide specialized Alzheimer’s home care. Using such services makes it easier for you to practice self-care, resulting in more energy and a clearer mind when it comes to caring for your parent.
Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing, too. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Dallas families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Home Care Assistance. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation.
3. Honor Your Loved One’s Independence
Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s doesn’t mean your loved one cannot continue doing some activities independently. As the disease progresses, it may become difficult to do some tasks without assistance, but you don’t want to prevent your loved one from living his or her life and staying mentally engaged. Taking certain responsibilities away could make your parent feel agitated and uneasy, which is why you should only step in when necessary, allowing him or her to maintain independence for as long as possible.
4. Stay Positive
At times, your parent may not be able to control his or her behavior and become agitated, angry, and even violent as a result of the disease. During these challenging times, remain positive and reassuring. Remember, Alzheimer’s damages the brain, affecting how your loved one thinks, reacts, and feels. It’s normal to be upset and sad, but you should never respond negatively, as it could make the situation worse and prevent you from providing high-quality care.
5. Monitor Medications
The medications the doctor prescribes could have a positive effect on your loved one, or they might lead to new problems. If you notice the medications causing increased behavioral challenges, speak with the doctor about alternative medications. The biggest mistake you can make is to ignore the symptoms and try to wish them away. Being honest with the doctor can lead to a more effective treatment plan that boosts your loved one’s quality of life.
The suggestions offered above can help you become a great caregiver, but it’s important to know your limitations as well. Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Dallas Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. Home Care Assistance can be your trusted partner in caregiving for your aging loved one. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (214) 363-3400 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.