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Alzheimer's Caregiving in Omaha

Alzheimer's Caregiving Omaha Visiting Angels In Home Care

Having a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease is not only a challenging day-to-day lifestyle, but it also requires hours of work for oneself.  As the disease progresses, new behaviors may develop, and also become more apparent. Not only is this wearisome for the caregivers, but the patient may become very frustrated with their developing differences from who they have been their entire life. This is when it becomes most important for Alzheimer's Caregiving and caregivers in Omaha to be understanding and patient, as this is the time when their loved ones need them most.

 

Alzheimer's Caregiving Omaha

 

If you’re the caregiver for someone going through or has dementia, not only is their lifestyle going to change, but so is yours.  This is a guide to assist you in the changes that are occurring, and how to cope with the transition of becoming someone who is constantly relied on.

 

Communication with Alzheimer's Caregiving

 

You will find that communication is about to or has already started to change.  It’s not as easy to talk to your loved one, and they may not be able to understand what you may be trying to tell them. The simplest way to make communication easier for both of you is to use a tranquil voice, and short, easy-to-understand sentences when speaking with them.  Distractions like loud noises or television may make it difficult to communicate, as well.  Minimize these distractions so your loved one can focus on what you are trying to tell or ask them.

 

One thing that may be easy to forget (especially if this person doesn’t speak much) is to remember that they are present.  Don’t speak about someone with AD as if they aren’t there.  Also, speaking gently is important, but do not use a tone as if they are an infant.  They have a long life of experience, so please remember to treat them as such. Be patient, and have understanding.

 

Coping with Hallucinations and Delusional Behavior

 

Hallucinations and becoming delusional is very common with Alzheimer’s.  Many patients experience this symptom, and it may cause uncomfortable behavior for you and the person.  You may notice hallucinations when the patient sees, tastes, smells, feels, or hears something that isn’t there, and may see delusional behavior when the person has false beliefs that they cannot be talked out of.

 

Just like trying to help them focus with communicating, try to limit the number of distractions in the room like turning off the television or radio.  It may be hard for a person with Alzheimer’s to distinguish between real life and the stories on TV.  Helping them into a different room or setting during a hallucination or delusion may help.

 

An important, yet difficult, factor to remember is to try and not argue with their beliefs during these episodes.  They believe what they think is true, and arguing will not make the situation easier.  Try to respond to their thoughts they are expressing, and be certain they are safe in the case their thoughts or actions become dangerous.

 

Changes in Mood in Alzheimer's Caregiving in Omaha

 

Changes in mood or action is another difficult aspect of Alzheimer’s disease.  While your loved one may normally be gentle and quiet, they may become the opposite of the person that you’ve always known.  Someone with a gentle tendency may become rude or aggressive with no notice, or you may experience outbursts from them.  Try to find what may be causing this behavior, and remove it from the situation.  In most cases, they are not lashing out against you, it’s not personal; they may be experiencing a hallucination or are confused about their current situation.  Remain calm, and help talk them through it.  Their inability to communicate may cause these behaviors.

 

Wandering

 

Keeping your loved one safe is always the top priority.  Some patients with AD wander somewhere other than where they are supposed to be, which may put them in an unsafe situation, and away from their caregiver. There are steps you can take from keeping them safe the case of wandering.  Having them wear an identification bracelet (or something similar) would help in the case someone they don’t know would find them, and know who they need to be with and where they live.  Check to see if there is an Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return Program in your area, which assists with patients that wander.  Call local authorities even if you do have this program in your area to help with the search of your loved one. Always have a photo or video of your loved one with you so local authorities can identify them if they become lost.  Lock doors and windows of their home to ensure safety and at all times.  If your loved one is familiar with the locks on the door, add a deadbolt to ensure extra safety.

 

Incontinence

 

As their Alzheimer’s conditions become worse, some people with the disease may start to experience incontinence.  This is not only difficult for their caregivers, but also for the patient.  Incontinence could also be due to a physical illness, so be sure to speak to the person’s doctor.

 

There are steps you can take that may assist with this condition:

 

Having a bathroom routine and sticking to it will benefit with this.  This may limit any effects from incontinence, and will also assist them with day-to-day life. Watch for signs that they may need to use the bathroom.  There are many different signs, and they vary from person to person.  Some signs may include tugging at their clothes, or signs of restlessness.  Be sure to respond immediately if you notice any signs. Although this is a frustrating condition of Alzheimer’s, be understanding if they have an accident.  Stay calm and assure the patient that everything is okay.  Keeping a record of when this happens may help you in finding preventatives to keep this from frequently happening. Nighttime accidents may become common, but reducing fluids before bedtime may help. When leaving the house with your loved one, be sure to know where a bathroom is at all times.  If in a store, try to locate the bathroom when you first get there to avoid any confusion or frustration when they need to use the restroom.

 

Bathing, Dressing and Eating

 

Even the most basic day-to-day tasks may become a challenge for someone with Alzheimer’s and dementia.  Normal every day tasks like getting dressed or eating could become scary, at times.  Here are some tips to make daily tasks easier for someone that may need help with them.

 

Bathing

 

Routines are going to become very important for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Establishing a plan for showering or bathing when the patient is at their most calm is a great first step when performing this daily task. Explaining the plan to them and talking with them about the task step-by-step will aid in keeping them calm and getting the task done safely. Prepare yourself for the task.  If your loved one takes bathes, run the bath water beforehand to limit the waiting time for them.  Make sure the water is a safe temperature before they get into the tub.  Have towels nearby so they don’t have to wait to get out of the tub. You’ll find that simplifying even the easiest tasks will assist in day-to-day activity.

 

Dressing

 

Finding the right clothes to wear will certainly help with simplifying this task.  Having too many clothing buttons may make it difficult to get this task done, and may frustrate the patient.  Make this task more stress-free by having them wear clothes with a limited number of zippers or buttons, and try to stay away from tight-fitting clothes. Getting dressed the same day will also simplify their routine.  Knowing that they get dressed the same time each day may encourage them to dress themselves, even partially.  Also limiting options may reduce frustration.  If they have a favorite outfit they wear, buy several of the same outfit.

 

Eating

 

Eating, which is just another natural activity, may become a challenge to most.  Again, having a routine is important when it comes to mealtime. Having a number of choices is nice for anyone, but don’t have too many.  Be sure to have a well-balanced diet to keep them for getting ill or have the possibility of over-eating. If you notice the patient is battling to eat with a knife and a fork, use a spoon. You could also replace a plate with a bowl and use lids with straws.

 

Sleep Problems with Alzheimer's Caregiving in Omaha

 

Sleep may even become a problem for someone with Alzheimer’s disease.  Some may experience having difficulty of falling asleep, so keeping the same bed time will assist in their nighttime routine.  Try to limit daytime naps, if possible, but try to make sure they get enough rest during the day.

 

Keep the more physical activities to earlier in the day, and try to keep the evening quiet and keep the lighting dimmed, if possible. If the darkness seems to disorientate or upset the patient, use nightlights in their bedroom, in the hall, and in the bathroom.

 

In Conclusion:

 

Caregiving for Alzheimer’s patients in Omaha is an enormous challenge, but you are appreciated, even if your loved one isn’t able to express it. If you can remember a few key points, it’ll help you and the patient with AD get through the worst days. Be calm, and be understanding. As difficult as this is, it’s important to treat them with kindness and respect, as they are unable to control a lot of their actions and emotions. Try not to take anything personally. People with dementia may become rude, and it will be hard, especially if this is not how they have been their entire life.  If you’re frustrated, they are, too.  Empathy will help you when caring for a person with Alzheimer’s, and they will appreciate it for the rest of their lives.

 

Visiting Angles Omaha | Alzheimer's Caregiving Omaha

 

Getting started is easy. Simply get in touch with one of our local home care offices. We can match your loved one with a caregiver who can provide the assistance they need. Respite care is offered on an hourly basis so you can establish the frequency and scope of care that best meets your needs. Because our home care services are flexible, should your loved one require more engaged care in the future, we can expand our role to include: At Visiting Angels, we’re here to be your caregiving partner. Find out more about our in-home respite care services by connecting with a local office today
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Serving Greater Omaha and the Surrounding Communities

Visiting Angels OMAHA, NE
701 Galvin Rd S #102
Bellevue, NE 68005
Phone: 402-917-8225
Fax: 402-939-0507

Serving Greater Omaha and the Surrounding Communities

Visiting Angels OMAHA, NE
701 Galvin Rd S #102
Bellevue, NE 68005
Phone: 402-917-8225
Fax: 402-939-0507