Assisting a family member with Alzheimer’s is challenging and becomes more difficult as the condition progresses. You may wonder how to help them adjust and feel comfortable, and it can be stressful to navigate the changes that are happening. However, following certain tips can make it easier to provide the best senior care for a loved one living with the disease.    

How to Care for a Family Member With Alzheimer’s

1. Maintain a Routine

For someone with Alzheimer’s, there’s comfort in having a schedule and knowing what to expect. Constant changes to their daily routine can be frustrating and cause anxiousness. Try to plan and stick to familiar tasks as often as possible. Think about how they spent their days and pastimes they enjoyed. Plus, having set waking and sleeping times, and limiting naps can prevent your family member from getting days and nights confused.   

2. Minimize Safety Hazards

The progression of Alzheimer’s leads to a decline in coordination and judgment, so you should take extra precautions to prevent your loved one from getting hurt. Remove tripping hazards, including rugs and extension cords, and install handrails where needed. Put locks on cabinets and drawers that house potentially unsafe items, such as cleaning supplies, sharp objects, medication, and lighters.       

3. Keep Them Involved

Your loved one may feel frustrated as they lose the ability to do certain tasks and become more dependent. However, including them in everyday activities can give them a sense of purpose. Ask for their help with simple chores you know they can handle, such as setting the table, preparing food, folding laundry, or organizing mail.      

4. Limit Distractions

External stimulation can be overwhelming for a person living with Alzheimer’s, since staying focused is a challenge. When you're talking or having dinner, turn off the TV or lower the radio, so it’s easier for them to pay attention. If outside noise interferes with their quiet time, close windows and doors to minimize the disruption.      

5. Be Empathetic

The progression of Alzheimer’s is different for every person, so be understanding as changes occur. Make sure the senior care you provide suits their needs, such as not forcing them to do certain activities if they’re not up to it. They may begin to say things that are unclear or don’t make sense, but it’s not necessary to correct them every time this happens. It’s more beneficial to act in a way that helps them feel safe and supported, rather than judged.

If you have a loved one living with Alzheimer’s and need a helping hand, reach out to Briggs Home Health Agency. Located in Norfolk, VA, the facility offers exceptional senior care services to assist with household cleaning, meal prepping, and running errands. Together, you can come up with a plan that's going to improve the quality of living for you and your family member. If you want to learn more, call (757) 628-1011 or visit their website for more details.