Alzheimer's Resource Center
Helpful Hints for Caregivers in the Home
Behaviors |
Helpful Hints |
Does your loved one seem to be: |
|
| bored restless picking at things wandering |
Offer snacks or liquids. A person with Alzheimer’s may have missed a meal or forgotten they had one. Suggest that your loved one help with simple and repetitive tasks, like folding and unfolding laundry. Bring out the familiar pieces of games they once enjoyed, such as Monopoly, Parcheesi, or other board games. Also try giving them playing cards or crossword puzzles. It doesn’t matter if they do any of it well, or even at all. The object is to keep them occupied with familiar items and tasks. Restless and wandering patients need a safe place to wander and pace.
They may just move around, or they may need a purpose, like carrying
the newspaper from one part of the house to another, or going through
old mail. Pet therapy can also work wonders. Be sure the animal is a
calm breed, such a golden retriever. Or a smaller, lap dog may work
better for others. |
| tense yelling "take me home" refusing to move irritable worried afraid yelling "help me" over and over |
Always first ask or observe if your loved one is in pain. If not, remember
these behaviors are often about feeling unsafe. Recall that persons with
Alzheimer’s have lucid times that come and go. Try to imagine how
frightening they must feel. Do comforting things. One is always to approach
the person from the front. Hold their hand if they will let you, or just
touch a shoulder and tell them they are in a safe place. Reduce any noises
from a radio or television that may be creating confusion or anxiety for
them. Try calming music from years ago. Tell them they are in a safe place.
If they will allow you, hugs can do wonders! |
Is your loved one: |
|
| crying depressed wanting to be alone wanting to stay in bed |
We all have a right to our blue days, and at times, the person with this disease just feels deeply sad. They sense the changes in their lives, and they feel their losses. Put your arms around them and say it’s okay to cry, it’s okay to feel sad. Bit by bit, you may coax them up and about. Try old, familiar stories or old familiar prayers. If they refuse still to get up, come back in a little while and try again, or have a different person try. Music can make an extraordinary difference. Play music they once loved; it will help them to reconnect to life.
|
| bedfast (i.e. unable to get out of bed at all, or only with great effort) |
In this case, you will be involved in a lot of physical care. Use touch.
Stroking and rubbing of hands and feet (unless medically not advised for
some other reason) will help keep the person “in touch,” and
help with circulation to prevent skin breakdown. Your loved one will also
need to be turned from side to back to the other side at regular intervals
to prevent skin breakdown, commonly called bedsores.
Even if the person cannot move on their own, they can be repositioned -- such as moved to an upright chair, or a recliner if available. They can therefore be involved in the social activity going on around them and can be a part of it, too. Don’t forget pet therapy or music. A home health nurse can give instructions on how to do exercises that are appropriate for your loved one. |
You know your loved one best. Try to accept their behavior for what it is and do the best you can to respond in a loving way. You are already doing a job that most people cannot do. Take one day at a time and take care of you -- give some loving care to yourself. Ask for help from others. You may think it’s a burden to them, but so many friends and neighbors would be glad to stay over for a few hours and let you get out for a while or just take a nap. And at the end of each day, understand -- no matter the frustrations or small failures -- that you are doing your best. No one can ask for more than that.
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Legal Disclaimer
This information has been provided for informational purposes only. It does
not constitute legal advice. The receipt of this information does not establish
an attorney-client privilege. Proper legal advice can only be given upon consideration
of all the relevant facts and laws. Therefore you should not act upon any
of the information contained herein without seeking appropriate legal counsel.
Attorneys Judith Sterling and Michelle Tucker are both CPAs and licensed attorneys. They are the first two attorneys in Hawaii to be certified by the American Bar Association (ABA) accredited Estate Law Specialist Board, Inc., as Estate Planning Law Specialists, and are so certified by the Supreme Court of Hawaii. The Supreme Court of Hawaii grants Hawaii certification only to lawyers in good standing who have successfully completed a specialty program accredited by the ABA.
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Haseko Center Serving Maui and the Big Island by appointment 1-(800) 807-3820 |
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