When our loved ones are sick, we obviously worry about them and want to ease their suffering. But what if every day you have to almost get to know each other all over again? This is Alzheimer's disease, from which no one is immune. As we age, we are all at risk. There are still no specific explanations for the causes of this disease, and unfortunately there is no cure.
However, we can make the life of our sick relatives easier. Today we will tell you how you can do this: we will talk about phone number tracker apps, communication methods, and give other tips for every day.
"Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength." — Betty Friedan
Safety and Comfort
How can you expect peace of mind if you’re constantly worried about potential hazards? A safe environment will prevent accidents and help your loved one feel secure and calm. This, in turn, will reduce stress for everyone involved.
Home Safety Tips:
Remove Hazards: Eliminate loose rugs, sharp objects, and other potential dangers.
Install Safety Features: Consider adding safety locks, grab bars, and non-slip mats.
Improve Lighting: Ensure that all areas of the home are well-lit to prevent falls and reduce confusion.
Label Important Areas: Use labels or signs to identify important rooms and objects, such as the bathroom or kitchen drawers.
Your loved ones should be surrounded with familiar objects and photos. This creates a sense of belonging which is so important for Alzheimer’s patients. Moreover, choose soothing colors for home décor to create a peaceful environment.
Technology Is Your Assistant
There are many technological ways for help now that may be used by Alzheimer's caregivers. Isn’t technology supposed to make life easier? It is indeed. You may try medication reminders, communication devices, home monitoring systems and health tracking apps. But what we highly recommend is location tracking technology.
Have you ever experienced the heart-stopping moment of realizing your loved one is missing? You won’t feel it anymore.
Real-time Tracking: Apps like Number Tracker offer real-time location tracking. So you can always know where your loved ones are.
Geo-fencing Alerts: Set up safe zones and receive alerts if your loved one wanders outside these areas.
Emergency Assistance: Many apps offer SOS features that your loved one can use in case of an emergency.
Benefits of this technology include safety and security for your loved ones, stress and anxiety reduction for caregivers and overall care improvement.
Establish a Routine
Consistency is one of the most important things in managing Alzheimer's. A daily routine helps patients feel more secure and reduces anxiety. What’s more comforting than predictability in a world full of uncertainties? Here are some recommendations on how to do this:
Regular Times: Keep meal times, bedtimes, and daily activities at the same time every day.
Pleasant Activities: Add enjoyable activities to your days to have more joy.
Adapt as Needed: Be flexible and adjust the routine to meet your loved one’s changing needs.
Morning Rituals: Start the day on a positive note to set a positive tone.
Evening Wind-Down: A relaxing evening routine can prepare you and your loved ones for a restful night’s sleep.
Why is routine so important? First of all, it reduces anxiety, as predictability shows something you already know. Familiarity with routine tasks is also about independence that can even improve sleep patterns and overall health.
Talk and Understand
Alzheimer's can make communication difficult, but patience is something your loved ones really need. Are you finding it difficult to connect with your loved one, too? Then you probably need to learn effective communication techniques that can reduce frustration. Here are the strategies:
Use Simple Sentences: Speak slowly, use simple sentences, and maintain eye contact.
Avoid Arguments: Don't argue or correct them if they become confused; instead, gently redirect the conversation.
Listen Actively: Show that you value what they’re saying, even if it doesn’t make complete sense.
Non-Verbal Cues: Use gestures, facial expressions, and touch to convey your message.
Stay Patient: Allow extra time for your loved one to respond and express themselves.
Clear Instructions: Provide clear and concise instructions for tasks.
Repeat Information: Repeat important information if needed so that they can hear and understand it.
Physical Activity
Mens sana in corpore sano (A healthy mind in a healthy body). Regular physical activity can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and improve overall health. What’s more rejuvenating than a bit of fresh air and exercise? It may seem difficult at first, but if you follow our further pieces of advice, everything will be simpler.
Simple Exercises: Sport is not always supposed to be a professional one. Start with simple activities, e.g., walking, gardening or dancing.
Be Consistent: Physical activity Must become your daily routine.
Group Activities: Join group exercise classes for social interaction that also is important
Use Music: It will make physical activity more enjoyable.
Exercise releases endorphins, which can boost mood and reduce anxiety. Moreover, regular movement helps maintain mobility and physical function. Physical activity can also improve sleep quality and overall health. So many benefits for you and your loved ones are just a step away from you.
Cognitive Activities
Not only physical activity is important, think about a cognitive one, too. How can you keep their mind sharp if it’s not challenged? There are some tips for you in this regard:
Puzzles and Games: Puzzles, memory games or card games are interesting and stimulate cognitive function as well.
Arts and Crafts: Encourage creativity through painting, knitting or other crafts.
Reading Together: Read books, magazines or even short stories together.
Music Therapy: Play familiar music or encourage singing along to favorite songs (by the way, you can also learn by heart different poems together).
Reminiscence Therapy: Use photos, objects or stories to evoke positive memories.
Mental stimulation can help slow cognitive decline. Completing tasks and activities will give your loved ones a sense of achievement and improve their mood.
Social Connections
Isolation can exacerbate Alzheimer's symptoms. Isn’t life more enjoyable when shared with others? We believe that it is indeed, and different scientific and medical researches prove it. What exactly can you do?
Family Gatherings: Organize visits of family and friends.
Social Activities: Participate in local events or support groups.
Regular Interactions: Schedule regular phone calls or video chats.
Social Media: Use social media to always be in touch.
Social interactions can improve mood and reduce feelings of loneliness. Conversations and interactions provide cognitive stimulation as well. A strong support network offers emotional support for both the caregiver and the patient. And this is very important.
Don’t Forget about Yourselves
Caregiving is a difficult activity, so it's advised to prioritize your own well-being. How can you pour from an empty cup? That’s why you need to relax and spend some time and resources on yourself.
Breaks: Regularly schedule time for yourself to relax and recharge.
Respite Care: Look into professional caregiving services to give yourself a break.
Hobbies: Make time for activities you enjoy and that rejuvenate you.
Mindfulness: Use mindfulness techniques, e.g., meditation or yoga, to reduce stress.
Communication: Talk to friends, join support groups, or seek therapy if needed.
Self-care is a must for caregivers, as it prevents burnout and lets you continue this hard work. Moreover, if you do enjoyable activities, it boosts your mood and well-being. And if you have a good one, your loved ones will feel it and do the same. And finally, a well-rested and healthy caregiver can provide better care. This is exactly the goal of any caregiver, right?
Just Love and Patience
We understand that caring for patients with dementia and Alzheimer's disease is difficult. But just imagine what it's like for them. It's hard for them too, maybe even harder than for us. So the most important thing you can give them is your love and care, and everything else will work right if you want it.
Never give up and fight to the end. Stay with us, soon we will continue this topic and give you some more recommendations. In the meantime, leave comments and share your stories about caring for people with Alzheimer's.