Guide to Supporting a Loved One
Among the group of brain diseases or dementias, Alzheimer’s is the most commonly occurring. There is currently no cure for it, and being a progressive condition, Alzheimer’s tends to get worse with time.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around six million Americans suffer from this condition. This condition has become the sixth leading cause of death in the US. The CDC also states that two in three caregivers for dementia are women.
Due to the destruction of brain cells, Alzheimer’s affects the patient’s memory, ability to think, and social life. In the last stages, the person may become incapable of carrying out daily activities. Being a caregiver to someone suffering from Alzheimer’s can be a stressful experience. If your loved one is struggling with Alzheimer’s, it goes without saying that you must be overwhelmed and anxious.
In this article, we will discuss four useful tips to help you extend the support your loved one needs. The aim is to improve the quality of life for both of you.
Start with a Care Plan
Setting up a care plan is crucial because of the progressive nature of the condition. As your loved one’s disease advances, it will alter your role as a caregiver. Your responsibilities may include making important decisions for their health.
Let’s see how you can go about this –
- You must discuss your loved one’s wishes during the disease’s early stages. They should be able to clearly state their end-of-life wishes like medical treatments to opt for, etc.
- Speak with their healthcare team. For this, you should fill out a HIPAA authorization form. Then, you can discuss your loved one’s medical history.
- Don’t forget the legal aspect, as you will need authorization for making medical decisions on your loved one’s behalf.
- Consider the financial aspect and go through their insurance coverage. You may become their financial power of attorney. You will also have to discuss their burial and funeral wishes with sensitivity and care.
Weigh All the Available Care Options
There is a wide variety of care options available for Alzheimer’s, and the suitable one for your loved one will depend on their symptoms’ severity. Let’s look at the different types –
- In-home care – Under this setting, the individual receives care and support in the family setting. With the help of a home aid, friends and family can distribute responsibilities. This will prevent one caregiver from handling all the pressure.
- Long-term care – Under the setup of long-term care for Alzheimer’s and dementia, your loved one will receive 24-hour assistance in an assisted living community. From the middle stages of the disease itself, the individual is unable to function without 24×7 supervision and care. All your loved one’s needs will be taken care of in a nursing environment.
- Adult day centers – This setup is most suitable when you as the caregiver have responsibilities to attend to during the day. Adult day centers will offer an active and safe environment to your loved one in the meantime (like transportation services or meals).
- Respite care – In case you’re burnt out after long hard months of taking care of your loved one, you can opt for respite care. It’s a short-term arrangement where you can seek care support for varied periods (a few days to several weeks).
- Hospice care – This setup is for the end-of-life days of your loved one. Hospice care may be extended in a facility or at home.
The most suitable choice for your loved one will depend on their care needs and your support tank. In other words, if you feel like you’re able to handle it by yourself but just need a little added support, choose in-home care or respite care.
In case their condition is such that 24×7 assistance is essential, choose a good long-term care nursing home. According to Regency Jewish Heritage Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, an approach that revolves around personalized care and a sense of belonging will ensure your loved one gets the right support.
Focus on Healthy Communication
Someone with Alzheimer’s often finds it difficult to express themselves clearly through words. This can cause much frustration, anger, and improper care (due to communication barriers). This is why effective communication is needed to understand your loved one’s needs.
The question is how you can foster healthy communication. Let’s look at some dos and don’ts.
- Do keep your responses to the point and short.
- Be patient with your loved one and repeat instructions if necessary.
- Redirect conversations to avoid unnecessary conflicts or arguments.
- Make use of humor to break the tension.
- Allow them time to process the information.
- Pick up on their nonverbal cues.
- Don’t pressure them to complete a task.
- Never take their actions or remarks personally.
- Do not yell at your loved one.
- Don’t ask open-ended questions or belittle them.
Stay Prepared for Sundowning
Sundowning often refers to a state of confusion, irritability, and restlessness. It may worsen during the late evening or afternoon hours.
You may observe that your loved one is anxiously pacing down at night or wandering around the home. Sundowning hours can be challenging for caregivers because they often interrupt sleep. The first thing to remember is not to get irritated or angry with your loved one (they can’t help the situation).
Next, you must stay prepared in advance with a predictable bedtime routine. Don’t allow your loved one to be too active during the day, and limit their daytime napping. This will help them fall asleep faster and better at night.
Finally (and this may be hard), you need to complete some formalities while your loved one is still able to decide for themselves. For instance – think about their living will, advance directive, power of attorney, standard will, and other financial arrangements.
In the midst of it all, do not neglect yourself – physically, emotionally, or mentally. Maintain a balanced diet, exercise well, and get fresh air regularly. If needed, seek some respite care and take a few days off. Most importantly, don’t get discouraged and seek professional support when needed.
