We must first be aware that physical illnesses can alter behavior. A doctor should examine your loved one to determine whether a medical condition contributes to the change in behavior.

Vickie Wacaster Vickie Wacaster, patient and Hospice Advocate with Aveanna Hospice (formerly Comfort Care Hospice)


I’m hoping that these tips can improve the interaction and relationships between people who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease as well as caregivers for them especially those who are in the early stage of disease.


In dealing with any person in any way, it’s vital and often difficult to stay aware of the emotions that are expressed through the tone we speak. Particularly when dealing with people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, try to be calm and comforting talk slowly and clearly using simple language.


Be aware that a person suffering from Alzheimer’s suffers from anxiety, depression, confusion as well as a loss of self-esteem anger, and frequently depression. Some caregivers discover it to be less tiring and more efficient and caring to observe the person suffering from Alzheimer’s in their current situation instead of waiting for them to become our world. Also, don’t fight with them, but instead try to redirect them. Respect them and treat them with respect and dignity. Speak to the person rather than to the disease.


Be aware that those who suffer from Alzheimer’s need regularity and stability. If you don’t have a routine, maybe the process of establishing a routine will help comfort the person you love. Keep a log of your routines and activities to determine the strategies and routines that were efficient.


Below are some ideas to aid your loved one to keep active and help to reinforce an attitude of dignity and independence while being with friends and family.


  • Take your children out of the house and out to places take part in activities, and meet new people.

  • Review and discuss the stories in magazines or newspapers The best way to do this is with color photos.

  • Cook together. Be aware that safety is the first priority.

  • Every day exercising can prevent dementia disease and ensure that your loved one is healthy. It’s beneficial for you, too.

  • Play brain games. Whatever it is, Sudoku or other memory-based games these mental exercises help important brain regions to be engaged.

  • Relive memories through old photographs. They can be enjoyable excursions down memory lane, and an excellent way to record the family’s the history of your family.

  • Music is a great way to relax. Music has the ability to evoke emotion and memories.

  • Sing. People with Alzheimer’s typically like to sing. Singing is among the abilities that will be lost. Sing frequently.


Below is an overview of tips and tricks that’ve been proven useful.



Do’s


  1. Address the care receiver directly, keep eye contact throughout the communication and draw their attention prior to beginning.

  2. You should be at the care receiver’s eye at eye level. If they are standing you must be standing. If they are sitting you have to sit.

  3. Orient the person receiving care regularly. Make frequent announcements about who is who, what’s happening and where to go.

  4. Maintain a consistent focus by focusing focused on the same subject and not veering off too frequently. If the topic is set to shift, give a direction.

  5. Help the caregiver find the words that they may be “stuck” in trying to recall.

  6. Reduce your instruction to two or three topics. Keep sentences brief, easy and concise. Use repetition of nouns instead of pronouns.

  7. Make sure to ask simple questions. If you have options make sure you limit the number of choices to two.

  8. Make use of positive facial expressions, tone of voice, images hand gestures, pantomimes to communicate your message.

  9. Give the caretaker the time needed to reply. Give clues on the best way to answer the question, if needed.

  10. Be aware that a good conversation is an exchange that is two-way. If the person receiving care has difficulty completing their portion or part of the exchange, you can assist them in participating.



Don’ts


  1. Avoid pointing out errors. There is rarely any reason or value in resolving errors made by the person receiving care. Making mistakes can cause agitation or distress.

  2. Avoid arguing. Arguments won’t help the person’s capacity to remember. It’s only going to cause the problem to get worse.

  3. Don’t deny emotions. Reaffirming the feelings of a caregiver is crucial.

  4. Never criticize shame, or make fun of the care recipient.

  5. Whatever your schedule you are, make sure to spend some time with your loved ones.


How can we take care to help ourselves? Keep your mind active. Make sure you are getting sufficient Vitamin C, B E as well as omega 3 Fatty Acids. Consume an a heart-healthy diet and keep your iron levels within normal limits to avoid anemia. lose weight. Don’t smoke, get enough sleep and keep stress levels low and stay active socially and treat depression, manage diabetes, and shield your head from injuries.


“There exists a source of youth within your thoughts as well as your talents as well as the energy you brought to your life, as well as the lives of those whom you loved.” Sophia Loren



– – Vickie Wacaster works as a Patient Advocate for Aveanna Hospice (formerly Comfort Care Hospice).

The article tips for dementia sufferers’ caregivers Part 2 appeared in The Andalusia Star-News.