Six Tips on How to Help Someone with Alzheimer’s

Friends and family members of those who show signs of the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease explain that the common signs are changes in personality and behavior.

Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic, irreversible disease that wreaks havoc on not only long-term memory but also fundamental cognitive function. Alzheimer’s patients eventually lose their capacity to perform ordinary duties and become fully reliant on others’ assistance.

A caregiver is anyone who provides care for another person. In the United States, millions of people care for a family member, friend, or patient suffering from Alzheimer’s and other related Dementia. For many families, looking after someone with Alzheimer’s is not a job for one person, but the role of many caregivers sharing responsibility.

Caregivers cannot stop the progression of Alzheimer-related personality and behavioral changes, but we together can communicate more effectively to help those suffering live more fulfilling and comfortable lives.

Here are six tips on how to help someone with Alzheimer’s disease:

1. Keep it simple:

For many people throughout the world, you can ask them to do several things at once and they will do it. With Alzheimer’s patients, it’s best to keep it simple, try asking or say only one thing at a time. When you are planning activities, you want to keep it simple as well. Good examples may be “Let’s go for a walk” or “Can you fold the clothes for me?” or “Can you empty the garbage?” This will also help the person still feel like they are being useful.

2. Set a routine:

Creating a routine for people with Alzheimer’s is a great way to help them know what they are doing and when they are going to do it. You can do this with a notepad or even a calendar. Things you would write down may vary a little depending on the day. Having daily routines will of course be priority things such as: getting dressed, showering, eating breakfast. There are of course there could be some activities that will change day by day or even week by week, such as: walking in the park, playing Bingo, getting their hair cut, or even seeing a doctor. Creating things like to-do lists could help them keep busy.

3. Keep it light:

The Chinese Philosopher Sun Tzu said, “If a battle cannot be won, don’t fight it”. This is what it is like when you argue with someone who is struggling with Alzheimer’s is like, it is a losing battle. Often a person who is struggling with Alzheimer’s gets confused, or anxious, or agitated regularly. Things you can do to help them is distract them using music, singing, or dance to distract them. Focus on feelings. Feelings are a powerful force to deal with, asking the right questions could be the difference between making it worse or solving it. A good example would be, if you see that they are concerned or worried, you could say, “why are you worried?” or you could say, “you look worried” this may help them look inside of what is causing instead of an outward stimulus.  One note for the person doing the caretaking, you will feel like you have to do everything yourself or by yourself. Don’t let yourself become so overwhelmed by the complexity that is this awful disease that you lose track of your own wellbeing, don’t forget to take care of yourself.

4. Give them space to move:

Allowing someone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease enough space to walk safely can make a massive difference in their mental wellbeing. We don’t need to get into the specifics of how beneficial exercise is for the human body but know that even with this disease it is important to keep them moving physically. Provide comfortable appropriate clothes for the weather if outside, as well as sturdy shoes. Remember to give snacks as to not lose too much weight and plenty of water to stay well hydrated.

5. Get Acupuncture:

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) looks at the individual holistically, this medicine has modalities that can help those suffering from Alzheimer’s. TCM is safe, natural, effective and side-effect free. Considering a TCM perspective could dramatically help both those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease as well as those supporting caregivers.

6. Practice Tai Chi:

Two Universities did a study on the benefits of Tai Chi. The study found that people who practice Tai Chi regularly for at least 30 minutes a day, three times per week will increase the brains as well as improve memory and cognitive function, compared to people who didn’t practice Tai Chi.

If you have a family member that suffers from Alzheimer’s, give us a call today, and let’s see what we can do to help you and your family member get relief from Alzheimer’s.