8 tips for caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease

Posted on 1 August 2016

Dr Jaco Cilliers, a neurologist at Mediclinic Bloemfontein, gives advice for caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, based on information sourced from the MedLink Corporation’s Caregiver Guide.   

Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at home is a difficult task and can become overwhelming at times. Each day brings new challenges as you cope with the person’s changing levels of ability and new patterns of behaviour.

Dr Cilliers says, ‘My best advice is to be patient, even though it might be difficult at times, and to try and maintain a routine every day. Because every patient is different, you’ll most likely have to deal with every scenario as it emerges.’

1. Do the best you can
One of the biggest struggles caregivers face is dealing with the difficult behaviours of the person they’re caring for. Dressing, bathing, eating – basic activities of daily living – often become difficult to manage for both the person with AD and the caregiver.

2. Communicate simply and gently
Use simple words and short sentences in a calm tone of voice, without talking to them like a baby or as if they were not in the room. Allow the person enough time for a response and be careful not to interrupt.

3. Dealing with bathing
Respect the fact that bathing is scary and uncomfortable for some people with AD. Be gentle and respectful, patient and calm. Tell them what you are going to do, step by step, and allow them to do as much as possible on their own.

4. Getting dressed
Encourage AD patients to dress themselves to whatever degree possible. Plan to allow extra time so there is no pressure or rush. Allow them to choose from a limited selection of outfits. If they have a favourite outfit, consider buying some identical sets.

5. Going to the bathroom
Watch for signs that the person may have to go to the bathroom, such as restlessness or pulling at clothes. Respond quickly. Be understanding when accidents occur. Stay calm and reassure them if they are upset. Try to keep track of when accidents happen to help plan ways to avoid them.

6. Mealtimes and diet
View mealtimes as an opportunity for social interaction. Try to be patient and avoid rushing, and be sensitive to confusion and anxiety. Choose dishes and eating tools that promote independence. If the person has trouble using utensils, use a bowl instead of a plate, or offer utensils with large or built-up handles. Use straws or cups with lids to make drinking easier. As the disease progresses, be aware of the increased risk of choking because of chewing and swallowing problems.

7. Hallucinations and delusions
As the disease progresses, a person with AD may experience hallucinations and/or delusions. Hallucinations are when the person sees, hears, smells, tastes, or feels something that is not there. Delusions are false beliefs that the person thinks are real. Avoid arguing with them about what they see or hear. Comfort them if they are afraid and try to distract them with another topic or activity – sometimes moving to another room or going outside for a walk may help.

8. Wandering off
Keeping the person safe is one of the most important aspects of caregiving. Some people with AD have a tendency to wander away from their home or their caregiver. Knowing what to do to limit wandering can protect a person from getting lost. At the very least, make sure they carry some kind of identification or wear a medical bracelet. Consider installing an additional lock high up or low down on the door. If the person can open a lock because it is familiar, a new latch or lock may help to keep them from wandering off.