Strategies & Tips for Alzheimer's and Dementia Care

June is Alzheimer's & Brain Health Awareness Month. 

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease or a dementia related illness has been said to be one of the most challenging caregiving experiences.  Family members often find themselves on an unfamiliar and unpredictable journey.  A diagnosis is just as scary and as difficult to accept for family members as it is for the person with dementia.   Support, information and education are key.  Here are some tips to help you and your loved one navigate the road ahead.       

1. Learn to accept the diagnosis and take time to deal with your emotions.  Feelings of loss, anger, resentment and sadness are common and natural.  Acknowledging the impact of the disease on the person you love, now and in the future, and how it will change your relationship and your life is difficult, but it will help you take the first step toward planning and preparing for the future.      

2. Invest time in finding an exceptional physician you can rely on.  Make sure your loved one’s physician is one you respect and who is willing to take time to talk with both of you about the disease, answer your questions and provide strategies for any challenges you may be having.  A gerontologist or neurologist specializing in dementia may provide invaluable expertise. 

3. Surround yourself with good resources.  Learn as much as you can. Connect with the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org; 800-272-3900) and the Area Agency on Aging 1-B (www.aaa1b.com; 800-852-7795) to learn about the disease and the resources, supportive services, support groups and training that can help you.  Learning about how Alzheimer’s Disease impacts a person’s cognitive functioning (not just their memory) as well as the stages of the disease, can empower you to understand better how to care for your loved one.

4. Take Time for Yourself.  It is easy to lose yourself in your new role as a primary caregiver and neglect your own health and wellbeing.  You are no good to anyone if you are stressed out and  burned out.  Try to make time every day to do something that you enjoy, find relaxing and that brings you happiness but does not involve caregiving or work.  Make a list of the things that you like to do and pick one every day.  Start with 30 minutes a day if you find it hard, but schedule time to take care of you.  

5. Be patient and compassionate.  Remember that the confusion the person with dementia is experiencing is real.  A person may feel scared, frustrated, disappointed, angry, etc., when they can’t remember something, find the words they want to use or feel overwhelmed or confused by their surroundings.   It may be hard to believe, but a person with dementia does not intend to upset or drive their family crazy.  Unusual or challenging behaviors are most likely a reaction to confusion.   

6. Take on the decision making role.    As Alzheimer’s progresses, a person’s cognitive functioning, including their judgment, is often impacted and their abilities decline.  Be honest about what they no longer can do (driving, bill paying, using dangerous equipment). Learn the importance of taking on more decision making for them, especially if it relates directly to their safety and wellbeing.  By doing so, you are being compassionate and preventing undue stress.

7. Focus on your loved one’s strengths and abilities. Your loved one has dementia but there are still activities they can do and enjoy doing, especially in the beginning stages of the disease.  Develop a day- to-day routine that incorporates his or her likes and strengths.  Find things that you can do together that can be engaging and rewarding for both of you.  Go to www.alz.org for ideas.

8. Plan for the future.  Making a plan for the person’s care in the beginning stages of the disease, when the person is still able to communicate their wishes, is hard, but beneficial.  Enlist the expertise of an elder law attorney.  Complete important legal and health care documents, such as power of attorney, guardianship or conservatorship.     

9. Stay Connected.  Ask friends and family for support.  Make a list of things that others can do to help.  It might include shopping, visiting with the person for an hour or two, driving to appointments, preparing a meal, doing the person’s laundry every week, etc.  Practice asking family members to help you with one thing on the list. When people ask you what they can do to help, be ready to respond with your list.    Ask professionals and other caregivers for their expertise, tips and strategies when a challenge arises.

10. Be patient and compassionate with yourself. Celebrate your good days.   When a bad day happens, remember that tomorrow is another day full of possibilities.   

For more information, Call the Area Agency on Aging 1-B at (800) 852-7795, or visit www.aaa1b.com.