Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can be both challenging and rewarding. Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. While it shares some similarities with dementia, Alzheimer’s is a specific form of cognitive decline which is under the more general umbrella of dementia. As experts in dementia care, we understand the motivation to keep your loved one at home with the family for as long as possible, and we aim to help make this a reality.
Understanding Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia characterised by the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in the brain. This results in the gradual deterioration of brain cells, and synaptic degeneration, leading to cognitive decline.
Common symptoms include memory loss, confusion, difficulty with language and problem-solving, mood swings, and changes in personality.
What is the Difference Between Alzheimer’s & Dementia
While Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia, it’s essential to understand the distinction. Dementia is an umbrella term for various cognitive impairments, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Dementia encompasses a range of cognitive disorders with distinct causes, such as:
- Vascular dementia: where blood has trouble reaching the brain and causes cell degradation
- Lewy body dementia: caused by a buildup of the Lewy body protein which develops in nerve cells in the brain
- Frontotemporal dementia: shrinking of the brain lobes, which occurs when nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain are lost
Dementia encompasses all forms of cognitive decline which can interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is a specific and the most common type of dementia, accounting for around 60-80% of dementia cases. Alzheimer’s is caused by changes in the brain that lead to increased deposits of proteins which form amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary, or tau, tangles. These deposits interrupted neural pathways and connections, eventually leading to a shrinking of the brain.
Caring for an Alzheimer’s Patient at Home
Caring for an Alzheimer’s patient at home requires patience, flexibility, and a deep understanding of the disease. The care process can be divided into three stages, reflecting the progressive nature of Alzheimer’s.
Care for Early Stage Alzheimer’s Patients
Create a Safe Environment
At this stage it is possible for the Alzhiemer’s patient to remain fairly independent. However, it is worth looking into any necessary home modifications to enhance safety and mobility, like removing tripping hazards and adding handrails.
Establish Routine
Routine can provide comfort and structure. Set regular schedules for meals, medication, and daily activities. Establishing a routine can help the person with Alzhiemers to continue to do things independently and be less likely to miss out on important tasks.
Encourage Independence
Encourage your loved one to participate in daily tasks while providing guidance and support. Keeping your loved one independent, or responsible for parts of their care is very useful for maintaining their self-confidence and directly correlates with a higher quality of life.
Foster Communication
Communication is an essential aspect of caring for an Alzheimer’s patient, particularly as memory issues become more pronounced in the course of the disease. Establishing effective communication early on is extremely important. Not only does it help to maintain a sense of connection with your loved one but also reduces frustration and anxiety for both you and the person with Alzheimer’s. Here are some strategies to foster better communication:
Middle Stage Alzhiemer’s Care
Assist with Daily Activities
As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, your loved one will increasingly require assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. It’s essential to approach these tasks with sensitivity, respect, and the goal of preserving their dignity while providing necessary care.
This is where effective communication becomes very helpful, because you can have a sensitive and understanding conversation with your loved one about their capabilities and what they need from you.
Help Them Find and Engage in Meaningful Activities
One of the key aspects of caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease is to provide them with opportunities for engaging in activities that are not only enjoyable but also mentally and emotionally stimulating. Meaningful activities can have a significant positive impact on their well-being, sense of purpose, and quality of life.
If there is a hobby or activity that they are already interested in then you can encourage a pursuit in this, alternatively you can help them find something new that interests them. Consider activities with an outcome that your loved one can be proud of such as gardening, painting or learning an instrument.
Ensure Medication Management
Keep a close eye on medication schedules to ensure they are taken correctly. Even with a well established routine your loved one may start to make mistakes. It is important to keep an eye on this so you know when it’s time to step in and take responsibility for medication.
Manage Behavioural Changes
As Alzheimer’s progresses it is important to monitor behaviour changes which can become apparent. These behavioural changes can be challenging for both the affected individual and their caregivers. These changes may include mood swings, aggression, agitation, or other challenging behaviours.
Caring for Someone With Late Stage Alzhiemer’s
Provide Full Assistance
At this point, individuals with Alzheimer’s often experience severe cognitive and physical decline, requiring full assistance in nearly all aspects of daily living. It is crucial to approach this stage with compassion, respect, and a focus on maintaining the individual’s comfort and dignity.
Maintain Comfort
Focus on ensuring the comfort and well-being of your loved one. It may be time to start looking into palliative care or hospice support in order to ensure your loved one is comfortable.
Increased Support
Looking after someone with late stage Alzheimer’s is extremely time difficult and can take a lot of time out of looking after your own needs, and the needs of any other dependents that you may have. Seek respite care or support from family and friends to prevent caregiver burnout and allow you to have some time for yourself.
When to Consider a Care Home for Alzheimer’s Care
While many families opt to care for their loved ones at home for as long as possible, there may come a point where moving them into a residential care home is the best option. This decision should be based on the increasing intensity of care needs, safety concerns, and the well-being of both the patient and the caregiver. It may be time to consider a care home if you are having safety concerns over your loved one, if a more intensive medical care is needed, if you are starting to feel burnt out as a carer, or if you are concerned about your loved ones quality of life at home.
Caring for an Alzheimer’s patient at home is challenging. Understanding the disease and addressing the unique needs of each stage can help families provide the best possible care. Ultimately, the decision to move a loved one to a care home should be made with their best interests in mind, focusing on their safety, well-being, and the caregiver’s capacity to provide care.