Alzheimer's Disease: An Overview

Caring for Someone with Alzheimer's Disease

Caring for Someone with Alzheimer's Disease

Activities

Caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease at home can be a challenge.^[6] If you decide to do this, plan on simple activities to keep him or her occupied. Break up activities into small steps and praise him or her for each successfully completed step. If they become frustrated, distract them with a different activity. Build activities they enjoy into a daily routine. Take advantage of community adult day services. Such services may include transportation and meals.

Communication

When speaking with someone with Alzheimer's disease, use simple words and short sentences.^[6] Always be calm and gentle. Do not speak as if she or he were a baby or as if he or she weren't there. Avoid distracting noises such as television or radios. Avoid interrupting his or her responses to you. If she or he is having trouble finding a word, gently suggest possibilities.

Meals

Meals can be a challenge.^[6] Some people with Alzheimer's disease want to eat all the time, while you may have trouble getting others to eat a healthy diet. Make sure that the setting for meals is calm and quiet. Provide a small number of choices of food and use small portions. You may need to offer several small meals during the course of the day rather than three large ones. Offering healthy snacks during the day is another option. To make drinking easier, use straws or cups with lids. Finger foods eliminate the need for utensils and bowls may be better than plates.

Sleep

People with Alzheimer's disease may have trouble sleeping.^[6] They may be restless, agitated and irritable as evening approaches. This is known as sundowning syndrome. Use exercise during the day to encourage sleep in the evening and prevent daytime napping. Avoid caffeine late in the day. Turn lights down in the evening and provide a quiet setting. If music is soothing, play music when someone is going to sleep. Stick to a regular routine at night. Use night lights in the bedroom, halls and bathroom if darkness is frightening or disorienting.

Personal Care

Personal care may take special planning.^[6] Bathing may be a difficult experience for people with Alzheimer's disease. Make it a part of a routine and be calm and reassuring when giving a bath or shower. Tell the person what you will be doing so there are no surprises. Allow him or her to do as much as possible. Make sure you have everything you need in advance. Make sure that the room is warm beforehand and keep extra towels and a robe handy. Test water temperature. Never leave a person with Alzheimer's disease alone in the shower or bathtub. A sponge bath may be easier than a shower or bath and might be appropriate on some days.

Dressing someone with Alzheimer's disease can be difficult.^[6] Allow extra time for dressing and make it a part of the daily routine. Arrange clothes in the order they will be put on and allow the person to do as much as possible. Allow him or her to choose what to wear and if there is a favorite outfit considering buying several sets of it. Use closures that are easy to manage such as Velcro and elastic waists rather than zippers and buttons.

As the disease progresses, a person may lose control of the bladder and bowels. Discuss how to handle this issue with the doctor and make sure the person has access to the bathroom whenever needed. You may want to take him or her to the bathroom every 3 hours rather than waiting for him or her to ask. If an accident occurs, be calm and don't scold. If you go out, be prepared with extra clothing. To avoid problems at night, limit liquids especially caffeine in the evening.

Safety

Safety is an important issue for persons with Alzheimer's disease.^[6] Look at your home and eliminate possible hazards. Check locks on doors and windows especially if someone is prone to wandering. Remove locks from bathroom doors so they don't get locked inside. Use childproof latches on kitchen cabinets and anywhere chemicals are stored. Label medicines and keep them locked up. Secure knives, lighters and matches, and guns. Avoid clutter in the house. Remove loose rugs and anything that might cause a fall. Make sure lighting is good. Never leave someone with Alzheimer's disease alone in the kitchen when the stove or oven is in use.

If someone has a tendency to wander, make sure they have identification and contact information on them.^[6] If necessary, make sure they have a medical bracelet. Discuss the situation with the local police department. Keep doors and windows locked and place locks high and out of reach.

Driving can be an issue with older persons in general and may be especially problematic with someone with Alzheimer's disease.^[6] If driving is no longer safe, discuss the situation with the individual in a sensitive way. Safety must take priority over independence. Driving should be limited when they start getting lost in familiar places. Anger and confusion are also signs for limiting driving. If you are having difficulty convincing someone that it is time to stop driving, you may want to ask the doctor for help. The doctor may ask the Department of Motor Vehicles for an evaluation. You may need to lock up the keys or relocate the car where it is not visible or accessible.

This Elder Health Guide was published on August 1, 2009.