Caring for Elderly Loved Ones with Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: Everyday Tips
We all age, and this new period of life can be overshadowed by serious illnesses. At such moments it is difficult not only for older people, but also for those who care for them. Examples of such challenges are Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Caring for elderly loved ones with these illnesses can be difficult and emotionally taxing. However, with the right strategies and knowledge, caregivers can create a supportive and enriching environment that enhances the quality of life for those affected.
Today we want to talk about how you can make life easier for yourself and your loved ones with new technologies (e.g., number tracker apps) and other practical solutions.
It Is Better to Understand
What Is Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease?
Dementia is a broad term used to describe a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life. It affects memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, learning capacity, language and judgment. Dementia is not a specific disease but rather a syndrome, which means that it can be caused by various underlying conditions or diseases.
Types of Dementia:
Alzheimer’s Disease: The most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases. It is characterized by the progressive degeneration of brain cells, leading to memory loss, confusion and changes in behavior and personality.
Vascular Dementia: The second most common type of dementia, caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to a stroke or series of mini-strokes. Symptoms depend on the area and extent of brain damage.
Lewy Body Dementia: Characterized by abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies in the brain. It leads to symptoms such as visual hallucinations, movement disorders, and fluctuating cognitive function.
Frontotemporal Dementia: Involves the degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. It often affects personality, behavior and language skills more than memory in the early stages.
Mixed Dementia: A condition in which a person has multiple types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease combined with vascular dementia.
Other Types: Dementia can also be associated with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, etc.
Symptoms of Dementia:
Memory Loss: Particularly forgetting recent events or information.
Difficulty with Communication: Struggling to find the right words or follow conversations.
Disorientation: Confusion about time or place.
Impaired Judgment: Difficulty making decisions or solving problems.
Changes in Mood and Behavior: Increased agitation, anxiety, depression, or personality changes.
Difficulty with Coordination: Problems with movement and balance.
Causes and Risk Factors:
Age: The risk of dementia increases with age, particularly after the age of 65.
Genetics: A family history of dementia can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Cardiovascular Health: Conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can increase the risk of vascular dementia.
Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and lack of physical activity can contribute to the risk of dementia.
Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries can increase the risk of developing dementia later in life.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing dementia involves a thorough evaluation, including:
Medical History: Gathering detailed information about symptoms, medical history, and family history.
Physical and Neurological Exams: Assessing physical health and neurological function.
Cognitive and Neuropsychological Tests: Evaluating memory, problem-solving skills, language, and other cognitive abilities.
Brain Imaging: Using MRI or CT scans to detect brain changes or abnormalities.
Laboratory Tests: Checking for underlying conditions that may cause dementia-like symptoms.
While there is currently no cure for dementia, treatments are available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These can include:
Medications: Drugs to manage symptoms such as memory loss, depression, and sleep disturbances.
Therapies: Cognitive therapies, occupational therapy, and physical therapy to support daily functioning and well-being.
Lifestyle Modifications: Encouraging a healthy diet, regular physical activity, mental stimulation, and social engagement.
Support and Care: We will talk about it further.
How to Care
A Few Words about Routine
Creating a consistent daily routine can reduce anxiety for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Morning Routine:
Encourage waking up at the same time each day to regulate the body’s internal clock. Assist with brushing teeth, washing face, and other hygiene activities. Use simple, step-by-step instructions. Offer a nutritious breakfast with familiar foods. Encourage independence but be ready to help if needed.
Daytime Activities:
Incorporate light physical activities like walking, stretching, or gardening to promote physical health and well-being. Engage in puzzles, reading, or memory games to stimulate cognitive function. Facilitate social activities with family, friends, or community groups to reduce feelings of isolation.
Evening Routine:
Serve a balanced meal in a calm and relaxed environment. Encourage activities that promote relaxation, such as listening to music, reading, or watching a favorite TV show. Establish a calming bedtime routine, including bathing, changing into pajamas, and a set bedtime to ensure adequate sleep.
Location Tracking Apps
1. Real-Time Monitoring
Location tracking apps (e.g., Number Tracker) offer real-time monitoring capabilities: caregivers can keep track of their loved ones' whereabouts at all times. This feature is a must for those who are prone to wandering, as it enables immediate intervention if the person strays beyond a safe area.
Example: Caregivers can receive instant notifications if their loved one leaves a designated safe zone, e.g., their home or neighborhood.
2. Geofencing
Geofencing is a feature that allows caregivers to set up virtual boundaries around specific areas. If the person crosses these boundaries, the app sends an alert to the caregiver, enabling quick action to bring them back to safety.
Example: A caregiver can set a geofence around their loved one’s home and receive an alert if they wander beyond this area.
3. Emergency Alerts
In case of an emergency, location tracking apps can send alerts to multiple caregivers or emergency services. This feature can be life-saving in situations where the person becomes lost or is in danger.
Example: If a person with dementia gets lost and cannot find their way home, the app can send their location to family members or emergency responders.
4. Activity Tracking
Some location tracking apps offer additional features of activity tracking. It monitors the person’s movements throughout the day.
Example: Caregivers can track if their loved one is following their usual daily routine or if there are deviations that need attention.
5. Peace of Mind for Caregivers
Knowing that their loved one’s location can be tracked at any time provides immense peace of mind for caregivers. This can reduce stress and anxiety and caregivers can focus more on other aspects of care.
Example: A caregiver can check the app periodically throughout the day to ensure their loved one is safe, without having to physically monitor them constantly.
Safe Environment
Home Modifications:
Remove unnecessary items to reduce the risk of trips and falls. Install locks on cabinets containing hazardous materials and medicines. Ensure adequate lighting in all areas of the home, especially hallways and bathrooms, to prevent accidents.
Personal Safety:
Encourage wearing an ID bracelet with the person’s name, address, and emergency contact information. Provide appropriate supervision, especially during activities that could pose a risk, such as cooking or bathing. Develop and practice an emergency plan for situations like wandering or medical emergencies.
Communication Strategies
Effective communication can help reduce frustration and improve the relationship between caregivers and those with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Verbal Communication:
Simple Language: Use simple, clear sentences and speak slowly.
Tone of Voice: Maintain a calm and reassuring tone of voice.
Patience: Allow time for the person to process information and respond.
Non-Verbal Communication:
Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact to show engagement and understanding.
Body Language: Use positive and open body language to convey warmth and support.
Touch: Gentle touch, such as holding hands, can provide comfort and reassurance.
Manage Behavioral Changes
Behavioral changes are common in people with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Understanding and managing these behaviors is crucial for effective caregiving.
Common Behavioral Changes:
Aggression and Agitation: May occur due to frustration, confusion, or discomfort.
Wandering: Can happen due to disorientation or the need to find something familiar.
Hallucinations and Delusions: May involve seeing, hearing, or believing things that are not real.
Strategies for Managing Behavior:
Respond to behaviors with patience and understanding. Recognize and address factors that may trigger certain behaviors, such as noise, clutter, or discomfort. Gently redirect the person’s attention to a different activity or topic to diffuse tension. Offer verbal and physical reassurance to calm anxiety and confusion.
Emotional Well-Being
Listening to or playing music can evoke positive emotions and memories. Engaging in creative activities like drawing, painting, or crafting can provide an emotional outlet. Interaction with pets can offer companionship and reduce stress as well.
Encourage regular visits from family members to maintain connections and support. Participate in community programs or support groups designed for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Discussing past experiences and memories can provide comfort and a sense of identity.
Self-Care for Caregivers
Caring for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s is difficult. That is why it is important for caregivers to also take care of their own physical and mental state.
It is better for you to schedule regular breaks and respite care to rest and recharge. You can also join caregiver support groups to share experiences and gain emotional support.
Engage in activities that promote your own physical and mental health: exercise, hobbies and relaxation techniques. We recommend yoga and meditation.
If you cannot cope with this on your own, consider hiring professional caregivers to assist with daily care. Explore adult day care programs that offer structured activities and social interaction. You can also look for counseling or therapy to manage stress and emotional challenges associated with caregiving.
It Is Our Responsibility
It is possible to live happily with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The most important thing is to treat such people with understanding and sincere care. They will definitely feel it. We must treat our elderly loved ones with respect and help them in everything, because we were in opposite places before and in their youth they raised and took care of us. Let us not forget this and make the illness easier for our loved ones.
