Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease can be a challenging and sometimes overwhelming task. [1] Cypress Springs Residence for Alzheimer’s Disease can help provide the care your loved one needs if they have been diagnosed with this condition.

Basic care of a patient suffering from this diagnosis can cause the caregiver to have new demands placed upon them daily, due to the changing levels the disease poses as it progresses. Cypress Springs Residence for Alzheimer’s has a unique method to aid the patient and family members.

[2] Alzheimer’s Disease is progressive, degenerative, and to date, irreversible condition. Nerve fibers become tangled in the brain and protein deposits develop on the brain. This causes a form of dementia in which the patient, over time, loses their ability to do activities of daily living such as bathing, eating or speaking. Some of the first [3] symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease is memory loss, disorientation and communication problems. They may even show signs of aggressive behavior, and wander off or become withdrawn.

In caring for a patient with this condition there are many strategies for communicating better. Some of these include always approaching the patient from the front so as not to startle them. Should a patient act as though he does not want you to be too close, it’s best to honor his wish and be patient with him. By reducing noise and distractions, the patient will more easily be kept calm. Make sure to speak clearly with a soft tone of voice. It’s always a good idea to move slowly and describe what you are doing. Use simple words and short sentences. Make sure you aren’t tense or hurried, as the patient will pick up on this and it might frighten them. When the person shows signs of memory loss, simply repeat yourself to clarify. Make sure and not confuse them further by using the same words. Keeping things to a routine is soothing to an Alzheimer’s patient, so try to keep things to a routine the patient is comfortable with.
If the person repeats himself by asking the same question repeatedly, be patient and give the same answer each time. If a complex task like bathing needs to be done, try to break it up into smaller parts that are easier.

At times, patients with this condition won’t be able to find the right word they need to convey their needs. The patient will be very frustrated by this. If this should happen, try suggesting words similar to the topic at hand. Don’t correct the patient if he or she uses the wrong word, as it will only frustrate them more and may cause un-needed embarrassment.

If the patient has lost their verbal skills and you need to convey a message to them, try using non verbal communication skills. They may continue to understand that you are smiling at them, or touching their hand gently and trying to comfort them.

Some problems a caregiver might come across while aiding their loved one is problems with incontinence. If this should occur, follow a routine of when to drink so that the patient is always hydrated. If possible, offer to take the person to the restroom at 30 minute intervals. Do not show disgust or irritation with problems concerning incontinence.

At times a patient with Alzheimer’s may not want to bathe. Try scheduling baths at the same time every day in order to reduce the emotional trauma. Hand the patient the wash cloth, soap and other supplies which may help he or she remember what bath time is. Take the patient to the bathing area while you both walk slowly. Make sure the bathroom is a comfortable temperature and well-lit. Stay calm and quiet, using a soft tone of voice. Keep this process simple. Sometimes handing the patient a wash cloth to hold onto will distract them while you bathe them. If it so happens that the patient is being caused too much emotional distress by regular bathing, sponge baths are a vialbe option. Making sure to keep the patient calm and not afraid is the single most important thing to do.
The Tulsa memory support system uses daily exercise in addition to outing and group activities to help residents who suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease. They provide individual plans for each patient based on their specific needs . The staff are well qualified to care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and are always carefully selected and trusted individuals.

In caring for a patient that has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, patience and compassion are of the utmost of importance.