How To Care for Someone With Alzheimer's Disease

Caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease can be rewarding but complex. Caregivers may face new situations and emotions daily. You might feel overwhelmed and isolated.

Being a caregiver of people with dementia has a diverse impact on physical and emotional health. Caring for a loved one may create challenges as you both cope with a shift in your relationship's dynamics.

This is a difficult but often widespread change for many caregivers. About 6.2 million Americans aged 65 and older have Alzheimer's disease. More than 11 million Americans provide 15.3 million hours of unpaid, or "informal," care for those with the disease.

What Is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a brain disease. Cell damage causes brain changes that decline memory, thinking, and behavior. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and causes an estimated 60% to 80% of dementia cases.

Alzheimer's disease can cause changes in your loved one's personality and behavior. You may expect these to be abrupt or severe, but early changes are hard to recognize.

Symptoms present differently from person to person. Common personality and behavior changes include:

• Appearing confused or overstimulated
• Becoming depressed and anxious
• Growing aggressive, angry, scared, and upset easily
• Hallucinating or imagining surroundings
• Having difficulty recalling information or remembering words
• Hiding things or becoming worried someone else has hidden things
• Making inappropriate sexual advances
• Pacing, "shadowing" you, or wandering
• Putting less effort into personal hygiene
• Seeming apathetic

Create a Team

None of these changes are simple. You're dealing with daily responsibilities while watching someone you love change. You may feel lonely or misunderstood. Creating a support team is essential.

You might consider different types of care, including:

• Adult day centers: These centers exist to offer caregivers some time away. Some programs may offer services like supervised activities, assistance with dressing and bathing, and transportation or meal preparation support. Adult day centers can cost about $83 per day.
• In-home care: You may build a support team that includes family, friends, and neighbors who can help you care for your loved one at home. These people can accompany you to appointments, help with chores, and look up services or resources. A professional home health aide can cost about $28 per hour.
• Long-term care: Your loved one may need long-term care as the disease progresses and worsens. You might consider a nursing home or assisted living community. Hospice care is end-of-life care that helps keep your loved one comfortable. These facilities can cost about $4,500 per month.

How To Care for Someone With Alzheimer's Disease

Coping with your loved one's changes in behavior is often easier said than done. It's OK to make mistakes as you learn what works best for you and your loved one.

Some strategies that can help include:

• Reassuring your loved one's safety and establishing daily routines: One way to build a routine is to set each day aside to do things together. You may find that taking a daily walk, helping with chores, or preparing meals can help keep them busy and strengthen your connection.
• Redirecting their attention and spending time together: Try playing music, watching a TV show they like, or encouraging them with a hobby they enjoy. Keep in mind that the small moments matter. You may consider trying activities such as reviewing photo albums, making crafts, or holding hands.
• Respecting the integrity of the person you knew and know is essential: It's hard to be treated like you are suddenly no longer an adult. Be mindful of respecting the adulthood and autonomy of the person experiencing dementia. Try supporting their retained abilities as much as possible.

It's important to remember the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can change. Some days can be good, while others are more challenging. A lot of it is learn-as-you-go. Try your best to be patient as you experiment with different coping recommendations.

Personal Care

Alzheimer's disease can affect memory and thinking. Your loved one may require help with everyday tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. This can be particularly distressing or frustrating for a person with the disease.

Here are some tips for helping your loved one with these tasks:

• Give them loose-fitting clothing that's easy to put on
• Help your loved one with these personal activities, but allow them to do as much as they're able to
• Install a shower chair to prevent injuries
• Keep a routine of bathing, dressing, and eating at the same times each day
• Make a plan to do activities that your loved one enjoys, such as going for a walk or watching a TV show
• Talk to your loved one as you complete each activity, walking them through each step
• Write down tasks, appointments, and other important reminders on a calendar

Communication

It might be difficult for your loved one to communicate with you, especially as Alzheimer's disease progresses. They may forget things and become anxious or angry. Dementia can also make it hard to find the right words, which can cause trouble communicating.

Try some of the following tips to help your loved one communicate easily:

• Avoid questioning their memory. Try reminding them of certain details if they forget. 
• Distract them with familiar objects, such as a photo album, to ease anxiety
• Encourage quiet times each day to help them unwind
• Have a two-way conversation with them
• Listen to their concerns and carefully respond to and reassure them

Diet and Physical Activity

It's important to help your loved one eat a nutrient-rich diet and stay physically active. Here are some ways to ensure a healthy lifestyle:

• Ask your loved one what they want to eat
• Make exercise fun for your loved one, such as by inviting friends, playing music, or trying a class
• Opt for short periods of exercise throughout the day
• Purchase pre-cut fruits and vegetables or pre-prepared meals
• Take a walk with them
• Try a variety of activities that your loved one is capable of, including baking or gardening

Home Safety

Alzheimer's disease may increase the risk of injuries, so it's important to ensure their home is safe. Here are some ways to remove hazards:

• Clear walkways of hazards, such as area rugs or electrical cords
• Consider placing carpet or safety grip strips on stairs to prevent falls. You can also place brightly-colored tape so your loved one can easily see each step.
• Ensure that the home has good lighting
• Install safety latches on cabinet doors
• Make sure the stairs have a handrail
• Place safety plugs in electrical outlets if they're not being used
• Store hazardous household products, such as detergent and matches, in areas that are hard to reach

Taking Care of Yourself

Caregiving can negatively affect both your mental and physical health. You may experience feelings of anxiety, worry, fear, depression, and overall mental exhaustion.

Putting your needs first may seem impossible or selfish. You're not the wrong person for taking care of yourself. Prioritizing self-care keeps you healthy and makes you a better caregiver. You must be in good physical and mental health to fully care for your loved one.

Self-care can look like:

• Asking for help if you need it
• Doing something creative or engaging in a hobby
• Exercising
• Having fun with friends
• Keeping appointments
• Taking a bath or nap
• Talking to a mental health specialist
• Watching TV or reading a book

Caregivers often experience guilt when they take time off or enjoy themselves. It can be hard to step away, but caregiving 24/7 is impractical and dangerous. You must recognize that taking care of yourself is essential.

A Quick Review

Caring for a person who has Alzheimer's disease (AD) can be challenging. AD can affect every aspect of a person's life, including their memory and behavior. Taking care of someone with AD can affect your physical and mental health. The list of ways to care for someone with AD is robust and includes helping them with personal care, making sure they're getting to all their appointments, and redirecting them when they become confused.

Caregivers often experience anxiety, worry, fear, and depression. It's important to make time for your physical and mental health by exercising, spending time with friends, and talking to a mental health specialist. You'll need to take care of your health to care for your loved one.