Caring for your elderly loved one who has Alzheimer’s is a big responsibility. While it can be rewarding and is a wonderful way to demonstrate your love and care for this important person in your life, there will be times when it can be stressful. Some days will be better than others, and some interactions will be more rewarding than others. Assistance from an Alzheimer’s home care provider can help lessen the stress.
Knowing how to redirect your loved one when he is emotionally stressed about a situation is key for a caregiver of a person with Alzheimer’s disease, but it can be difficult because many of the ways that work for those without Alzheimer’s disease no longer work with your loved one.
Five Responses to Avoid When Possible
Because Alzheimer’s disease affects the brain’s ability to remember events and people correctly, as well as process information logically, there are some conversation techniques to avoid when your loved one becomes agitated during a discussion. If you try to rely on these techniques, your loved one’s agitation will likely grow.
Don’t argue with them. Try to keep your temper in check, even if what they are saying is combative or completely false.
Avoid trying to continue to show reasons why he should do XYZ. Reasoning with someone whose brain is no longer able to process information logically often only results in frustration for the caregiver.
Don’t question their recent memory. While your loved one may be sure he already brushed his teeth this morning when you know he didn’t, you won’t change his mind by questioning what he remembers. His “memory” of that event is as real to him as what happened.
Avoid reminding them of their forgetfulness. Statements about their forgetfulness can spark feelings of anxiety or anger as you point out something they aren’t aware of. They may not trust what you say.
Finally, don’t take what your loved one says personally. Even if they are calling you names or making disparaging remarks about something you do for them, remember it’s not personal.
Redirecting is a Great Troubleshooting Strategy
With Alzheimer’s disease, when your loved one starts to become agitated because of an event or conversation, one of the best ways you can help him calm down is by redirection. It might mean convincing him to move to another room so he doesn’t see what’s bothering him, changing the topic of conversation, or offering a favorite item to help him forget what was agitating him. Redirection takes patience and practice from the caregiver to discover what works best for their loved one.
Take A Break As Needed with Alzheimer’s Home Care Assistance
As the caregiver, it can be emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausting to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. In order to do it well, you are going to need a break occasionally to allow you to regroup and recharge. One way to find a bit of respite is to have an Alzheimer’s home care provider come to the home to care for and supervise your loved one while you step out for a bit. An Alzheimer’s home care provider is trained in how to assist and support someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Knowing your loved one is receiving wonderful Alzheimer’s home care from a professional will help you take the time you need for yourself, so you can return with a renewed spirit.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Home Care Services in Reedley, CA, please get in touch with the caring staff at A-Plus In Home Care, Inc. today. Call (559) 224-9442.
A-Plus In Home Care, Inc. is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Fresno, Clovis, Sunnyside, Fowler, Reedley, Selma, Sanger, Madera, CA, and surrounding areas.
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