If your loved one, whether it's a parent, a spouse, or a loved one, is suffering from Alzheimer's disease, we know how much love and dedication it takes to care for them. Helping them with everyday tasks like eating, bathing, shaving, and getting dressed can sometimes be more challenging than you think. But don't worry. There are ways to make these things easier for both of us, while maintaining love and respect. Let's talk about that today.
Some basic things to remember
As you deal with Alzheimer's disease, there are some things you and your loved one can do to help make life easier. Think of these as guidelines that will help you treat them with love, not rules.
The most important thing is to let them do their own thing for as long as possible. This will preserve their self-respect and independence.
When the opportunity arises for you to help, it is very important to think about the following points.
| Advice | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Establish a daily routine. | Get into the habit of doing things at the same time every day. For example, brushing your teeth after breakfast and taking a bath in the evening. Choose times of the day when they are relaxed for these tasks. |
| Respect privacy. | Close the doors and windows when changing clothes or taking a shower. Cover your body with a towel or bathrobe. This is very important for their dignity. |
| Encourage independence | Encourage them to do as many things as possible for themselves. Even something as small as combing their hair or brushing their teeth can be a big help if they can do it on their own. |
| Be patient and give it time. | Think about their abilities. Give them the time they need to complete a task. Don't expect them to do it as quickly as we do. |
| Praise | Encourage them by saying something small like, "You look great today." It will make them feel good. |
| Tell me what you're doing in advance. | Don't rush into something. Simply say, "I'm going to wash your hair now." This will make them less afraid and nervous. |
| Make dressing easier | If they can dress themselves, lay out their clothes in the order they wear them. Choose clothes that have few buttons and are easy to put on. |
Let's take care of food and drink.
Good nutrition is very important for someone with Alzheimer's disease. But as symptoms worsen, eating can become a little more difficult. Here's how to ensure they have a nutritious diet and plenty of fluids, such as water.
- Encourage them to eat alone: If they can, let them eat alone. Offer finger foods that are easy to pick up and eat with their hands. For example, things like chicken nuggets, orange juice, and steamed broccoli.
- Change utensils: If using a plate and fork is difficult, offer a bowl and spoon. You can also use things like 'plate guards' that stop food from spilling on the plate, and cutlery with large, easy-to-grip handles.
- Don't force them to eat: If they're not interested in eating, find out why. It could be a dental problem, or they just don't like the food. Most importantly, don't treat them like a child. Treat them with respect and dignity as adults.
How can you make bathing and washing your body easier?
Your loved one may not need a full bath every day. Sometimes a sponge bath is enough. But on days when a bath is absolutely necessary, follow these tips.
- Water temperature: Be sure to check the water temperature before bathing. Their skin may be more sensitive than ours.
- Safety: If you are bathing in a bathtub, use a bath chair and handrails. Place non-slip rubber mats in the tub and on the floor.
- Set the environment: Keep the bathroom warm and well-lit. Remove any small rugs on the floor, or make them non-slip. These will reduce the chance of slipping and falling.
- Medical advice: If your loved one is overweight, or if they are unable to move on their own, it may be risky for you to bathe them alone. Special equipment may be needed in such cases. Consult your doctor for advice on how to bathe them safely.
Let's help keep your hair and beard clean.
- Washing hair: If they prefer to take a bath rather than a shower, it may be easier to wash their hair in the sink. You can also use a 'dry shampoo' that cleanses hair without water.
- Should we go to a salon? If they are in a position to go out with you, taking them to a salon/barbershop will make a difference for them.
- Shaving: It is safest to use an electric razor instead of a regular razor to shave. This is especially important to minimize cuts if you are taking blood-thinning medications.
Don't forget about dental and oral health.
Oral health is very important for overall health.
- Brush their teeth daily: Brush their teeth every day. If they can do it on their own, put some medicine on the toothbrush.
- Dentures: If you wear a set of dentures, remove them daily and clean them thoroughly. Check to see if they fit properly and if there are any sores or redness on your gums.
- If they don't open their mouth: Sometimes they may not want to open their mouth. In such cases, at least brush the backs of their teeth. Ask your dentist for advice on how to maintain good dental health.
Make using the toilet easier
When the disease is severe, even going to the bathroom can be a challenge. Try these things to make it easier.
- Safety devices: Install grab bars and a raised toilet seat near the toilet. These will make it easier for them to get up and sit down.
- Bedside facilities: If you have difficulty going to the bathroom, especially at night, you can use a bedside commode or urinal.
- Create a routine: To avoid accidents, make it a habit to go to the bathroom every few hours.
- Tell your doctor: If they are leaking urine or stool without realizing it (incontinence), be sure to tell your doctor. They may be able to find the cause and control it with medication. Don't be embarrassed about this, it's part of the disease.
Take-Home Message
- Treat your loved one with respect, patience, and love. Understand the changes that their illness brings.
- Establish a consistent routine that works at the same time every day. This will give them a sense of security and stability.
- Encourage them to do things on their own as much as possible. This will help maintain their self-respect.
- Be especially careful about safety in the bathroom, while eating, and while walking. Avoid slipping and falling.
- If you are unsure about something, or if you are having difficulty doing a task on your own, never hesitate to ask your doctor for advice and help.
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