Caring For Seniors with Alzheimers in Lincoln, NE

When you are in charge of taking care of a family member dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, it can be very difficult. As the disease progresses, the care they need may become a fulltime job. Because of this, it may feel like your only option is to put them into an assisted living home.

However, did you know that research tells us that one way to maintain an Alzheimer patient’s mental health is to keep them in a familiar environment where they may have a chance at recognizing their surroundings.

There is no way to sugarcoat this: If you choose to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, it is not going to be easy. There are things you can do to make it easier, though.

Tips to Make Being an Alzheimer’s Caregiver Easier

Let’s talk about some of the ways you can take joy in your loved one’s good moments while they stay at home.

Create a Routine

One way to help improve life for your loved one and make your caregiving job easier is to create a routine. The more normalcy and consistency you can offer, the better they will do.

Offer Them as Much Independence as Possible

While there are some things that an Alzheimer’s patient will not be able to do, especially as the disease progresses, there are many things they can do. Allowing them to help where they can and take care of themselves when they are able to will help keep them mentally sharp while also taking some of the pressure off of you.

Make Sure The Routine Includes Fun Activities and Mental Challenges

To the extent possible, it is good for your loved one to keep up with hobbies and mental challenges. A good way to enjoy your remaining time with them is to create time to do something fun together on a regular basis.

Here are some fun things you can do together depending on their abilities, many of which also help keep the mind sharp:

Cook
Sing
Tell stories
Do puzzles
Complete word and logic games
Go for a walk

Provide Healthy Food

There are many foods that are considered brain foods, which can help keep your loved one’s mind sharper for as long as possible. Check out our past article on brain-boosting foods to learn more.

Making sure your loved one gets healthy food like these, along with plenty of water, will help keep them healthy and strong.

Give Them Ways to Track Their Own Routines

Offering your loved one a way to keep track of their own routine while they are still able will help them maintain their independence and offer you a little relief. Try to find something that works for their capabilities, whether this is with a paper calendar, a whiteboard, a computer, or something else.

Make Small Changes to Your Routines to Make Giving Senior Care Easier

You can make life easier for yourself and for them by making some simple changes in your home and to their wardrobe. Loose, easy-to-put-on clothes, such as those without ties or zippers, will allow them to dress themselves for longer. Similarly, adding things like a shower chair can make it easier for them to do some grooming on their own.

Get an In-Home Caregiver

One of the best ways you can make life easier on everyone in your home is to invest in an in-home caregiver who can come in a few hours a week all the way up to fulltime in order to make sure you have time for yourself.

Remember that it is always necessary to take care of yourself if you want to be able to take care of others.

Visiting Angels In-Home Care

At Visiting Angels Lincoln, we know how hard it can be for you to take care of your loved one as they deal with Alzheimer’s, and we want to help. Our team of experienced caregivers can help you with many of your daily tasks from personal grooming to medicine reminders, from transportation to fall prevention help, from meal prep to companionship.

We can work with you to figure out a plan that fits your needs, budget, and schedule.