Tips On How to Help An Alzheimer Patient With Love And Care - As Guided By Research

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.

Constant care

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.

Daily lifestyle activities

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.

Visit here to get more information about Michael Mullan.

Tips On How To Help Loved One’s Suffering From The Dreaded Alzheimer Disease

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.