In-Home Caregiver Tips for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of Dementia in Jacksonville
During the early stages of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, families often choose in-home care which allows your loved one to maintain a degree of independence while remaining in the familiar and comfortable surroundings of their own home.
Start by talking with your physician to see if in-home caregiving is appropriate for your loved one diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer’s. Ask the doctor to provide you with a complete listing of all medications, dosages and schedule. Ask for any additional patient health related facts that will allow you to provide the best in-home caregiving possible for your loved one.
Important Tips for Alzheimer’s Caregivers
- Always be supportive of the individual’s feelings, interests, and activities.
- Create a daily routine and stick to it. Routines and consistency will help provide needed structure for the daily activities of your loved one.
- Keep the home environment calm, quiet, and safe.
- Instead of serving three big meals offer smaller, more frequent meals.
- Write a daily and “to do” list or schedule for your loved one to refer to every day.
- Be sure your loved one gets enough rest and monitor their bedtime if necessary.
- Encourage favorite pastimes and hobbies.
- Develop and monitor an exercise program that accounts for your loved one’s physical abilities and overall mobility.
- Assist your loved one as needed, with their personal care and good hygiene.
- Remember patient safety is paramount.
- Create a list of emergency phone numbers and keep it near all phones.
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Make sure all exterior door and window can be locked and keep a spare set of keys.
- Install handrails on all stairways and grab bars in all bathrooms.
- Install nightlights inside and out.
- Remove throw rugs and other trip and fall hazards.
- Remove locks from bathroom and closet doors.
- Consider using a baby monitor to listen for any unusual sounds or calls for help
Care for the Caregiver
Being a caregiver to someone with Alzheimer’s demands a large commitment of time and brings with it many challenges high levels of stress. It’s important for the health and well-being of the caregivers to take a break on a regular basis, so remember to turn a Jacksonville respite care facility to get this needed separation and support.