Living Well with Alzheimer’s Care at Home

Dementia is a generalized term that refers to the loss of memory and other cognitive abilities. Alzheimer’s is a particular type of cognitive disease in which the patient’s mental capacities (memory, thinking, reasoning, and learning) begin to deteriorate and become disruptive to daily activities.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be challenging. Here are some ways to take care of an Alzheimer’s patient with ease:

• Educate yourself about the disease
• Be patient
• Reduce frustrations
• Prevent falls
• Increase family engagement
• Maintain a routine

Alzheimer’s is solely an age-related brain disease that affects memory, thinking, and other cognitive abilities. However, some other factors like inherited genes, environment, and lifestyle changes can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. It is most common in people above 65 years of age and can be extremely discomforting.

During the early stages of Alzheimer’s, most people can live on their own. As Alzheimer’s progresses, it affects the cognitive abilities of the patient as well as increases the risk of falls, anxiety, and aggressive behavior.

Patients with moderate Alzheimer’s shouldn’t be left alone. A live-in caregiver can provide specialized care to the patient (grooming, bathing, meal prep, medications, and light housekeeping). A live-in caregiver provides ongoing and discreet assistance, and improves the quality of living for the patient.