A recent blog post in The Huffington Post told the story of a caregiver for people with Alzheimer’s disease, and the many things that she learned from them about the disease and about life. If you are caring for someone with this disease, please keep in mind some of the things that this caregiver discovered in her years of caregiving:
#1 Simple Pleasures Bring Joy to the Patient
Very simple activities can bring the patient joy and keep them occupied for quite a while. For example, the patient can take great interest in a coat that has many pockets. He could easily spend thirty minutes exploring that coat and finding what is in the pockets. Also, she learned that Alzheimer’s patients really enjoy receiving gifts, like all of us. It does not have to be anything big or expensive, either.
#2 Pets, Music and Children Can Really Reach Them
The writer of the blog noted that she say many examples where pets, music and children had a very positive effect on the patient. In fact, these three things sometimes can make connections with people with Alzheimer’s long after they are not able to talk or to recognize their family.
#3 What It Really Means When They Ask the Same Questions
Anyone who cares for these patients knows that they often tell the same story or ask the same question many times. What this means is that that subject is of great importance to them. The best thing to do in this case is to respond as if it is the first time you heard it.
#4 They Still Can Know What Is Going on Even If They Do Not Talk
It has been shown conclusively that many Alzheimer’s patients still understand what is being said to them, even long after they are not able to talk anymore. Keep this in mind when you are with your loved one – speak to them in a positive way and it will be understood.
#5 Do Not Tell Them Someone Died
It is common for these patients to ask where someone is who died years ago. While we understand the desire to be honest, this will usually just upset the person needlessly. We think it is best to just tell a white lie, and tell the patient that the person is away and will come back soon. It is not worthwhile to show her a death certificate because she will soon forget about it.
#6 Do Not Try to Correct Them
Try to give up your pride when dealing with someone with this disease. If you embarrass her by telling her she is wrong, she will just get angry. Just agree with whatever they say. It takes time to get used to doing this, but it really helps to keep the patient from getting upset.
Bathing Supplies for the Alzheimer’s Patient
Caregivers can always use some helpful supplies so they can better care for the patient. In the area of bathing, we recommend the EZ Bathe Inflatable Adult Bathtub, or Aqua Wash Gloves. Both of these products make bathing the patient more convenient and time efficient.