Caring for somebody with Alzheimer's is always a challenging experience, there are however a number of things that can be done that may make the process
a little easier to manage.
It is important for the person's confidence and self-esteem that they able to do as many things for themselves as possible. Carers should encourage this
and avoid the temptation to take over when a task is taking a long time. People with Alzheimer's (like the rest of us) respond well to encouragement and
praise.
The Alzheimer's Society makes the following points with regard to helping people maintain independence-
- If you do need to offer help, try to do things with, rather than for, the person. This will help them feel more involved.
- Always try to focus on what the person can do rather than what they can’t.
- Remember that they will have a short attention span and may find it hard to remember things.
- Try to be patient, and allow plenty of time.
- Give plenty of praise and encouragement.
- Try breaking the task down into sections. Even if the person with dementia can’t complete the full task, achieving one or two steps of it
may give them a sense of achievement. For example, they may find it easier to continue dressing themselves if you put their clothes out for them
in the order that they need to put them on.
- Make sure that any reminders or instructions are simple and tactful. Try to imagine that you are the person receiving help, and speak in a way that
you would find helpful if you were in their position.
- Try doing things together, such as folding clothes or drying dishes.
- Make sure that they don’t feel that they are being supervised or criticised in any way. This means checking your tone of voice as well as the words
you use.
- When the dementia is at a more advanced stage, try pointing, demonstrating or guiding an action rather than giving a verbal explanation. For example,
they may be able to brush their own hair if you start by gently guiding their hand.
It's more important that the person feels useful than that they complete the task perfectly.
- If you have to redo a task that they have done, be very tactful, or try to do it without their noticing.
- Ensure that the person is as close as possible to the people they recognise.
- Make sure that the atmosphere is relaxed and uncritical
- Try to ensure familiar surroundings and a regular routine, as this will be reassuring.
- Try to avoid too many conflicting sounds or too many people, as this can add to confusion. If possible, turn off the radio or the television.
If the person needs to concentrate on something in particular, take them to a quiet place.
- If they become upset or embarrassed by their declining abilities or clumsiness, give them plenty of reassurance. When things do go wrong,
be tactful and encouraging.
