Most
of us wouldn’t know how to deal with those who suffer from dementia and other
dreaded brain related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.
It comes without a warning and it is up to the members of the family to deal
with it, once the diagnosis is done. Remember, you are not alone in this
predicament, you have Michael, an expert who would now give you tips
on how to deal with the situation, using the right skills and patience.
1.
Be understanding when
dealing with the patient
Half
baked knowledge is dangerous, and you have to be understanding says Dr. Mullan. It would be wise to read from
genuine and reputed sources, sources that educate masses about the dreaded
brain disease. Across Sarasota and Roskamp there are
various local chapters and organisations that can help. Get in touch with them
online or in person to learn more about dealing with patients suffering from Alzheimer’s
2.
Learn more on how to take
charge of the treatment
As
a caregiver, you should learn more about the patient’s current medical needs
and also of their history. Keep the contact details of the physician handy,
just in case you want to know more about the frequency of medication and it’s
dosages. Speak to the physician and let them know about the other
non-prescribed medication being taken by the patient. If there are any
concerns, health and safety wise, get them documented and inform the physician
on a regular basis. Get all the concerns addressed and then leave the doctors
chamber, not without that.
3.
Learn and educate yourself
on care-giving abilities
Across Florida a lot of research
has been conducted on how to care for patients suffering from Alzheimer's.
Hence the caregiver’s role here would be much different from other domains. For
example, the skills and patience of the caregiver must be in abundance and
unlimited, especially when they have to tackle the patients yearning for
wandering needs, aggression and sometimes behavioural patterns deemed
inappropriate.
4.
Keep the environment
around the patient safe
Sometimes
says Michael Mullan patients can do more harm to
themselves when left unsupervised. There are potentially dangerous items around
them, which when they touch or use, can be fatal at times. Do not keep
medication around; they may consume it without any knowledge. Most of them,
says Dr. Mullan don’t even remember
that they just took their medicine and would overdose, by consuming the same
medication again.
In most cases across Sarasota and Roskamp, patients suffering from the dreaded Alzheimer’s were found wandering. Hence, please never ever leave
the patients alone or on their own. Even at night, ensure all the doors and
windows are locked.
5.
Keep the patient
stimulated mentally and busy
Patients
suffering from this disease should be stimulated mentally with activities that
bring in fun. For example, allow them to indulge in dancing, singing, listening
to music, supervised cooking and more. Even doing very simple and basic work
around the house, such as folding the sheets or dishtowels for that matter,
makes them feel worthy.
At
all times, we do understand how frustrating and annoying it can get for the
caregivers or the family members, but the Alzheimer
patients should be treated with care, love and dignity.
