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The Changing
Challenges of Alzheimer Care
By
Beverly Moore |
 Quincy
- How did last year’s care giving experience go? Caring for
a family member with Alzheimer’s or related memory disorder
is an ongoing learning process, so if last year was a hard
challenge, this year can be better.
Alzheimer care giving is like parenting children; the parent
must keep up with the child’s growth to relate well.
Similarly, relating to someone with Alzheimer’s, has to be
flexible because of the progressive nature of the disease
Alzheimer’s has been described as human development in
reverse. Children expand their learning as they grow;
persons with Alzheimer’s are losing abilities as the illness
progresses. The caregiver must recognize when changes occur
and respond accordingly. What worked last year may not this
year; adapt your behavior to the decline in ability.
Some suggestions to get you on your way:
• Observe the level of frustration they expresses when
trying to do something.
• Offer to help but ask permission. “Do you need some help?”
“May I help you?”
• Give only as much help as they need to proceed with the
task. Often all that they need is a ‘jump start’ and then
can figure out the rest. Don’t take over!
• Visual reminders are great ways to give them a jump start.
Simply putting something in eye’s view prompts them to begin
a task.
• Structure their day; thinking up something to do and
organizing is hard for them. It might be time to think of a
day program to offer that structure.
• Keep the person socially engaged but not overwhelmed.
Doing things with others has a double benefit. It adds
purpose to the day and offers socialization.
• The person with Alzheimer’s needs to feel in charge of his
life, feel valued and emotionally safe. It is up to the
caregiver to provide these. |
About The Author
Beverly Moore is president of Sweet Grapes, Inc. a
licensor for StilMee™ coaches. StilMee™ The leader in
Alzheimer coaching™. Beverly’s book Matters of the Mind…and
the Heart is available on line @ www.StilMee.com for an
autographed copy or go to www.strategicbookpublishing. com/MattersOfTheMindAndTheHeart.
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