Does your loved one have Alzheimer's? (Alzheimer's Disease) - Let's make everyday life comfortable

How frustrating and angry must a person with Alzheimer's disease feel when they find it difficult to do things that used to be easy? We know that living with this progressive memory loss is not easy for them, nor is it easy for you to care for them. But there are many things we can do to help them live their lives more calmly and happily, without feeling down about themselves. Let's talk about it.

Let's maintain a consistent routine.

It can be difficult for someone with Alzheimer's to plan their day and organize it. That's why they often prefer familiar things, familiar places, and familiar activities. Having a consistent routine makes them feel secure. When they know what's going to happen throughout the day, their anxiety and frustration decrease, and their mood even improves.

When creating a routine for your loved one, consider these things:

• His likes and dislikes: What are the things he has always liked? Add things to his daily routine, like reading the newspaper in the morning, or listening to a song while drinking tea in the evening.
• His best time of day: Some people are most alert in the morning. At that time, he may find it difficult to do things like go to the doctor or take a shower. Don't force him to do things if he seems tired.
• Sleep and wake up: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time as much as possible. Avoid letting them nap for long periods during the day. Doing so can cause them to have a sleep-wake cycle and may cause them to not be able to sleep at night.
• Familiar environment: Create a familiar environment for him at home. Keep family photos, old things he likes, etc. in visible places. Also, things like the smell of a favorite food, or a familiar song will bring him great comfort.

Let's reduce the unnecessary noise tax.

A person with Alzheimer's can feel very stressed and anxious when they hear a lot of noise at once. The sound of the radio, the TV, or many people talking at once can be difficult for them to handle.

Try doing things like this:

• Turn off the TV and radio while eating and when you are talking.
• Don't show them the violent, disturbing scenes on TV. Sometimes they might think those things are really happening.
• If they listen to music, use a CD or streaming service without commercials. They may be bothered by the sudden noise of commercials.
• When someone comes home, try to minimize the number of people in the room at once.

Above all, let us be patient.

Alzheimer's disease makes it very difficult for people to learn new things and remember instructions. So it's extremely important that we be patient when they make mistakes or have difficulty doing something. Remember, they don't do these things on purpose.

Let's look at some ways we can practice patience in the table below.

Let's help connect with them.

As the disease progresses, it becomes difficult for them to put their thoughts and feelings into words. But we can help them feel that they are not alone and to connect with us.

• Look into their eyes: Look into their eyes when you talk and call them by their name.
• Gentle touch: Hold their hand while you talk. Gently place your hand and lead them somewhere. This touch gives them a great sense of security.
• Ask simple questions: Instead of asking a big question like "How are you?", ask simple questions that can be answered with a "yes" or "no" like "Are you hungry?" "Would you like some water?"
• Don't talk about them in front of them: Don't talk about their situation with others as if they weren't there. That could hurt their feelings.
• No "baby voice": Don't speak to them in a child-like voice. Treat them with respect.

Let's help you make decisions, but simply.

We all like to make our own choices when it comes to things like food, drink, and clothing. But for someone with Alzheimer's, choosing from too many things at once can be overwhelming. So let them make choices, but keep those choices very simple .

• Let them choose one of two things. For example, "Do you want to wear the green shirt or the blue one?" "Do you want to drink a hot drink or a cold one?" "Should we read a book or go for a walk?"
• Get rid of unnecessary clothes in his closet. Then he will have fewer options to choose from, so he can choose without worrying.
• If he likes to wear the same clothes every day, buy a few more outfits.
• Don't worry if the clothes she wears don't match. What's important is that she feels comfortable and likes what she's wearing.

Let's help with small tasks.

By doing simple household chores, a person with Alzheimer's feels like they are needed at home and that they are contributing. It is very good for their mental health.

Ask for help with small tasks like these, according to their abilities:

• Wash the dishes.
• Set the dining table.
• Sweep the house.
• Fold the cloth.
• When preparing a meal, clean a vegetable and measure the ingredients.

Think about the job they had in the past. If they worked in an office, they might like to sort through paperwork and organize small things. They get great pleasure from these little things. With all this, if you have any discomfort or problems, don't forget to talk to your doctor about it.

Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's Disease, elder care, memory loss, dementia, brain disease, caregiver support