It is very tough to see your loved ones suffer from any form of ailments, that’s why care should be taken to ensure they are always safe. It is but important to reorganise the living space, and every room that forms the house. Michael Mullan suggests that there are ways to take care of your loved one at home, knowing full well what the dreaded ailment can do to their thought process.
Constant communication
The roskamp institute has studied the behaviours of various patients suffering from dementia on various stages. One thing is for sure, Alzheimer's is an advanced stage where the patient remembers very less of what they do. They do not seem to understand whatever it is that happens around them. Writing or speaking coherently is a tough task for them as well. Sometimes they repeatedly engage in the same activity, which would seem meaningless to us who do not suffer from it. Research shows that as a home care giver, one should be adapt with verbal techniques, short talks and pleasant intonation when communicating with patients who suffer from dementia.
Michael Mullan and his team opine that patients suffering from such a dreaded disease would lose their way, even if the surroundings are familiar; some of them have difficulties walking as well. The home environment should be very secure, falls should be prevented, lighting should be adequate, loose furniture items and rugs should be removed and for mobility of the patient, furniture items should be rearranged.
Avoid incontinence
Studies at the roskamp institute show that bladder incontinence happens at early stages and as the disease progresses, so would bowel irritation too. They do not happen simultaneously, but over time it does happen. Using adult diapers, liners and pads would be of great help for the patient. This would also mean having urinals that are customised for the one suffering from Alzheimer's as well. This could be very cumbersome for the caregiver, however, proper care and precaution has to be taken into account.
Psychologically speaking, Alzheimer's patients need to be involved in various levels of activities to keep their minds busy. One of the things that you as a caregiver should do is to allow the patient to move as much as they can. Encourage them to move around, dance a little, sing, listen to music, read a book, take them for walks, help them socialise and more. This would not only help them have a nice time, but would also give them respite from what they do not seem to understand is happening to them.
If you would like to read more on how to help someone at home suffering from dementia, the internet has a wide range of articles and tips by Michael Mullan. Go online and check what his team and he himself has done, their research is powerful.
We hope what we just spoke about, comes in handy. A little persistence with love and care goes a long way in helping the loved one out of suffering.
