Advice for the Care of Alzheimer Patients
4/11/2008 ·
When the Alzheimers diagnosis first hits you, it can feel devastating and overwhelming. "Why Me?"is an angry outcry of Alzheimer's patients. Care givers of those suffering from this syndrome often feel powerless and like they have no idea what the future is going to bring. For the 5 million patients and their families, Alzheimer care can go on for as many as 20 years, so learning how to cope and seeking education on the matter is crucial.
The symptoms of Alzheimers vary from person to person and no two patients progress at the same rate. A few behaviors seen in Alzheimer's patients are wandering off, or thinking they can drive when they really cannot. Forgetting names, misplacing keys and becoming upset for no apparent reason are other earlier signs of alzheimers. As the disease worsens, the patient is unable to speak or recognize friends and loved ones. Ther is no clearcut different way to take care if an individual as everyone is unique and different. (of the patient)," asserts Connie Kudlacek, who is the former head of the Alzheimer's Association chapter located in Midland. In the later stages we need to focus on the positives instead of the negatives in order to nurture their personality and give them opportunities for success.
Professor Jacquelyn Frank of the Ulndy's Center for Aging points out how difficult it can be to care for a loved one with Alzheimers, as they gradually seem to become another person. She describes the "ambiguous loss" of providing care for someone who is physically alive but socially degenerating, as well as the "anticipatory grief" in response to losing a loved one before they've actually passed away. You're not alone. An Alzheimers support group can give you an opportunity to share your emotions with people that know exactly what you're talking about, because they feel the same way.
Reducing frustrations is one tactic that will help you provide effective Alzheimer care. At first you may struggle with your loved one trying to bathe or feed them, but over time you'll get to know their natural schedule of when they are most agreeable. Establishing familiar routines for the Alzheimers patient, can make days more predictable and manageable for both of you. Alzheimer's patient caregivers are helped greatly by restricting difficult decision-making. For example, it may be hard to choose a dress from a closet which is full of clothes, whereas a choice between two outfits may be much easier
Take into consideration that you'll need to be flexible and adaptable when giving Alzheimer care. At first, it's often difficult to deal with the mood swings of an Alzheimers patient. Suddenly he or she may not like a favorite food anymore or will resist wearing a certain color. Patients may display behaviors like refusing to shower, or going on as usual despite "blackouts" that happen. Remember that in cases like these, the individual can't help this, so try not to take it personally. Try to approach it in a non obvious way. Isn't it easier to buy identical outfits since your loved one insists on not changing his clothes. While he/she is having bath them you can switch it.
Often, an Alzheimers patient may require up to 20 years of care, whereas a Cancer or Heart Disease patient may need 3 to 5 years. The gradual deterioration of the Alzheimer patient can be partitcularly demoralizing for the person caring for someone they care about. It is important to educate yourself on Alzheimers because the cure hasn't been found.
Kalıcı Bağlantı Yorum (0) Yorum yaz!Arkadasina Gönder!
0 yorum yazilmistir
