When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it’s normal for you to want to keep them at home for as long as possible. The idea of moving into residential care can be challenging and stressful for both you and your loved one.
Many professionals agree that the comforting surroundings of home can be highly beneficial for individuals with Alzheimer’s. However, as symptoms progress, it can become difficult for them to remain independent and safe.
Today, we’ll explore practical tips on how to care for Alzheimer’s patients at home.
Devising a Daily Routine
The home environment can be very comforting to Alzheimer’s patients, especially as memory loss and confusion increase. Similarly, a dependable routine can ensure they remain focused and oriented.
It’s recommended that you keep their routine as similar as possible to avoid stress, so start by observing your loved one’s natural routines, paying attention to patterns in their mood and behaviour.
For example, if your loved one seems to become more confused and irritable toward the end of the day, you can adapt their routine to ensure all important tasks and appointments are carried out in the morning.
It’s important to stay adaptable, as no two days are often the same with Alzheimer’s. However, a daily routine can serve as an anchor for your loved one, helping them feel safe and supported as their needs change.
Communicating with Alzheimer’s Patients
Alzheimer’s disease can influence the way individuals speak, hear and communicate. It can be difficult to talk with patients if you’re not sure how best to do so, leaving you both frustrated and misunderstood.
Tips for communicating with people with Alzheimer’s include:
- Choose simple words and short sentences, and try to keep your voice gentle, calm and friendly
- Speak slowly and clearly, but not so much that you sound patronising
- Maintain respect; don’t stop talking to them because they have trouble understanding
- Give them ample time to respond to your questions; don’t put words in their mouths
- Look for non-verbal cues if you’re still unsure of what they’re trying to say, such as hand gestures and emotions
- Offer choices for questions rather than leaving them open-ended, such as ‘Would you like toast or cereal for breakfast?’ instead of ‘What would you like for breakfast?’
- Minimise background noise and distractions to help them focus on the words and process what you’re saying
Adapting Activities of Daily Living
Individuals with dementia may need more help with daily activities, such as maintaining personal hygiene, eating and moving around. Things they once did independently may now require more support to remain comfortable and safe.
Understanding how Alzheimer’s impacts activities of daily living can help you time them wisely and adapt each activity to keep your loved one happy and dignified.
Bathing and Personal Care
People with dementia or Alzheimer’s may find the bath confusing and frightening. They may think they’ve showered recently when, in reality, they haven’t for days or weeks. They may be anxious about falling or washing themselves independently.
Tips for personal care for Alzheimer’s patients include:
- Set up everything you need, such as products, towels and assistive devices, before bringing your loved one to the bathroom
- Draw the bath ahead of time so the noise of the water doesn’t become overwhelming
- Make sure the water temperature isn’t too warm before helping them into the tub
- Minimise safety risks by using a shower chair or bench, grab bars, and non-slip bath mats
- If they need help bathing, talk them through each step as you do it so they know what’s happening
- Use a towel to preserve their dignity as much as possible, only moving it when necessary
Bathing often isn’t needed every day for older adults. Sponge baths can be an effective alternative to baths and showers if your loved one isn’t comfortable with daily washing.
Dressing
Alzheimer’s care often includes dressing, as physical and cognitive decline can make this activity more difficult and overwhelming. Your loved one may struggle to know when clothes are soiled, which items are appropriate to wear, and how to put clothes on and off.
Tips for supporting your loved one with dressing include:
- Set aside extra time before outings and appointments so you can encourage independent dressing without added pressure
- Let your loved one pick what they want to wear from a limited selection of clothing
- Consider buying their favourite outfits in a few different colours so they can wear them often, even when the original pieces are in the wash
- Store clothes in another room so they don’t get overwhelmed with how many choices they have
- Choose clothing that is comfortable, breathable and easy to layer
- Consider buying dressing aids and adaptive clothing, such as elasticated waistbands and Velcro clothing, rather than buttons or zips
Toileting and Incontinence Care
As Alzheimer’s symptoms progress, individuals may begin experiencing toileting difficulties and reduced bladder and bowel control. Incontinence can be distressing for you and your loved one. Consult a doctor to make sure there aren’t any underlying health issues causing incontinence, such as urinary tract infections or constipation.
Tips for supporting your loved one with toileting include:
- Create a bathroom schedule and stick to it as closely as possible, even if your loved one doesn’t feel like they need to go
- Track when accidents happen and use this to adapt your schedule
- Watch for nonverbal cues, such as restlessness, fidgeting or pulling at clothes
- Limit fluid intake before bed to avoid nighttime accidents
- Plan ahead when you have outings scheduled: look for restroom locations ahead of time, bring an extra set of clothes to avoid embarrassment, and stick to your schedule
To learn more, read our guide on incontinence in the elderly.
Eating and Drinking
Alzheimer’s can affect a person’s eating and drinking habits. Some may want to eat more frequently, while others lose their appetite and find it difficult to use fine motor skills to eat. Making mealtime adjustments can help your loved one get the nutrition and hydration they require.
Tips for supporting your loved one during mealtimes include:
- Encourage your loved one to choose what they’d like to eat from a limited number of options
- Offer a variety of appealing foods that vary in taste, texture and colour
- Serve small portions, several times a day, to avoid overwhelming your loved one
- Choose meals that promote independence, such as finger foods
- Use straws or cups with handles to make drinking easier and more appealing
Sleeping
Individuals with Alzheimer’s may experience sleep problems, especially in the later stages of their condition. These can be caused by a number of factors, such as increased daytime naps and broken sleep patterns. Advanced symptoms, such as sundowning, can make them more restless during the evening, making it difficult for them to wind down and sleep.
Tips for supporting your loved one’s sleep schedule include:
- Make sure your loved one gets plenty of exposure to natural light and physical activity during the day, such as a daily walk outside
- Limit daytime naps as much as possible, and try to keep them less than an hour long
- Cut out alcohol, caffeine and nicotine in the evening, as these can act as stimulants
- Create a consistent, calming bedtime routine to help signal to your loved one that it is time to sleep
- Dim the lights and close curtains before the sun goes down, as this can help prevent confusion and reduce the risk of sundowning
- Use a dementia clock that indicates whether it’s day or night to help them know when it’s time to wake up
How Trinity Homecare Can Help
At Trinity Homecare, we understand the physical and emotional toll providing dementia care can have on family members. Our compassionate, fully trained care providers are here to support you and your loved one in their familiar environment, even as their symptoms progress.
We can support you in getting a carer’s assessment, creating a living care plan, and supporting the whole family through this life change. Whether you require frequent respite from a visiting carer or more complex live-in dementia care support, our dedicated team of trained professionals is here to help.
Talk To Us Today
At Trinity Homecare, our ultimate goal is to enrich your lifestyle in the comfort and familiarity of your own home. This allows you to live the independent lifestyle that you love without the daunting thought of moving into a care home. We are here to support you with various forms of live-in care.
Call us now on 0207 183 4884 in confidence for a free, no obligation quotation. If enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next day.
