Being a caregiver at Bloomfield Homecare, I have had the opportunity to deal with the challenge of living at home with a family member who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Our team of caregivers at Bloomfield Homecare is committed to providing compassionate care and assistance to individuals and families affected by the condition. In this guide, I will reveal some of the effectiveness we have come up with to help patients with Alzheimer’s at home.
Before discussing the treatment strategies, it is essential to have an understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and its progression.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a disorder characterised by the gradual loss of memory and thinking skills which derives from the progressive degeneration of the brain. It is the main cause of dementia in old people. In our experience at Bloomfield Homecare, we have seen how this condition can bring stress not only to the person but to the whole family.
Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
Three stages are typically encountered in Alzheimer’s:
- Early stage (mild)
- Middle stage (moderate)
- Late stage (severe)
By understanding these stages, we are able to at Bloomfield Homecare adjust specific and individual strategies accordingly based on the evaluation of the person’s needs.
Creating a Safe Home Environment
One of the first steps to be taken in day-to-day management of such a patient, such as ensuring a secure environment is preserved and a pleasant living environment for them is established.
Removing Hazards
- Keeping off throw rugs and creating pathways that are free of clutter to avoid falls.
- Protecting or altering objects which can cause accidents, such as sharp or toxic substances.
- Ensuring there are handrails in the bathrooms and on the staircases.
Enhancing Navigation
We’ve noticed that these techniques have been very beneficial to individuals at Bloomfield Homecare:
- Putting clear labels on doors and cabinets
- Placing the everyday items in locations that are easy to access
Establishing Routines
Consistency and routine can give people with Alzheimer’s a sense of safety and control which can reduce stress and anxiety.
Daily Schedule
We propose a regimen that has these components:
- Scheduled meal times
- Uniform rest patterns
- Structured activities
- Simplifying Tasks
Dividing complicated jobs into smaller, more identifiable tasks will take over the individual and will bring about our assistance in the ongoing trials. For example, we could arrange the clothes in the order in which they are supposed to be put on.
Encouraging Physical Activity
Physical activity has been shown by regular engagement to create the change in mood and physical health of individuals. We promote activities such as:
- Moderate walks
- Chair exercises
- Basic stretching exercises
- Engaging in Household Tasks
Getting them involved in easy household chores could not only be a remedy to the physical and mental inactivity but also the producer of the feeling of significance. Choosing accordingly, folding laundry or helping to set the table, for example, can be included.
Promoting Cognitive Stimulation
The primary factor in the case of Alzheimer’s is to keep actively involved and not away.
- Brain-Stimulating Activities
- We suggest such activities like:
- Logical games and word games
- Listening to music and singing
- Looking at family pictures
- Engaging in an easy craft
Regular social interaction is mandatory. This can be anything from talks with the family members to caregiver communication and participation in community events if possible.
Managing Behavioral Changes
In Alzheimer’s disease, behavioural alterations can be a regular issue and it is hard to manage them.
We, in the family healthcare business, do the work of trying to pinpoint the reason why a certain agitated behaviour pops up, such as:
- Changes in the environment
- Tiredness
- Too much stimulation
Responding to Behaviours
We educate our workforce to use the following methods:
- Be patient and stay calm
- Use techniques of distraction
Acknowledge the feelings of the person instead of getting into arguments
Ensuring Proper Nutrition
The quick food is not the be-all, end-all, and can be a solution to some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
- Promoting meals with a variety of nutrients
- Give Lunch on time
- Use adaptive utensils if there are problems with fine motor skills
One of the main requirements for health is sufficient hydration and it must be ensured. We use such cues as colourful cups to encourage patients to drink more water based on what is actually being done in our facility.
Medication Management
One of the most important aspects of Alzheimer’s treatment is proper medication management.
In Bloomfield Homecare, we employ techniques which include:
- Organising pills into daily compartments
- Setting up several reminders for the timing of medication
- Recording the medications taken on a log
Maintaining Personal Hygiene
One of our duties is to make sure that our caregivers detect and inform health care providers about the side effects of the drugs. Giving the clients a high standard of personal hygiene, although very uncomfortable sometimes, does not deprive them of their right to dignity and necessary health status.
Bathing Strategies
- Schedule the toilet as a daily activity
- The bathroom should be warm and comfortable
- One should sit on a shower chair that is available if the need occurs
Grooming Assistance
Supporting the individuals in doing activities like brushing teeth, combing hair and dressing up will help them maintain their self-respect and the routine. This will also support the caregivers in providing better care to the people.
Supporting Caregivers
We realise at Bloomfield Homecare that looking after someone with Alzheimer is a demanding task both emotionally and physically.
At Respite Care
We offer respite care to give primary caregivers the space they need to relax and recharge.
- Some of the things we offer family caregivers are:
- Information about the progression of Alzheimer’s
- Training on care techniques
- Emotional support and counselling resources
Being a patient who is at home also adds to the list of complexities that increase the value of this kind of treatment. It is not just care alone but also requires the confines of the disease, the person’s understanding of the situation and the presence of the health care providers. At Bloomfield Homecare, we stand behind any case of Alzheimer’s with our very best. These strategies, if implemented, will help to work through this difficult period, along with the family and professionals, establishing a safer, warm and nurturing home.