Alzheimer care
Frustrating, Difficult But Also Rewarding
There is no doubt that Alzheimer care can be frustrating and difficult. But it can also be rewarding. Solving problems and becoming confident in knowing how to give care can provide you with a great sense of satisfaction. We are learning more and more about how to provide good care for the person with Alzheimer's disease day to day -- and still taking care of yourself. Much of what we know comes from the experience of family and professionals involved in Alzheimer care. Together, we are all learning how to deal with the challenges of this disease.
Good Care
Good care is more just than looking after a person's physical needs for safety, nutrition and good health. It involves caring for a full range of human needs, including the need: - for stimulation and companionship
- to feel secure
- to feel self-esteem
- to feel valued
- to be treated with dignity and respect
Please read more about Care of the elderly by clicking this link.
The Needs of Alzheimer’s Patients
The needs of people with Alzheimer's disease are no different than those of others their age. What's different is how these needs are met. Because this disease affects all aspects of a person's life, good Alzheimer care takes into account: - the kinds of activities people with Alzheimer's disease engage in
- the way they interact with other people and the way others interact with them
- the way others communicate verbally and non-verbally with people with the disease
- how others respond to their needs for self-esteem and sense of self
On Alzheimers care in detail you will find more in detail information about this subject. We also provide important information about: Safe home environment.
The Caregiver
The comprehensive nature of Alzheimer's disease makes caregiving for people with the disease one of the most demanding of all caregiving situations. Alzheimers caregivers offer a high physical, emotional, and financial exertion. The demands of day-to-day care, changing family roles. Placement in a facility and end-of-life decisions can be hard. Acknowledging and incorporating the needs of paid and unpaid caregivers into care planning and delivery is essential to avoid Caregiver burnout. Caregiver burnout can occur when caregivers don't get the help they need or if they try to do more than they are able to do.
The Setting
The disease knows no boundaries. Some people with Alzheimer's disease live at home, where a family member serves as the primary caregiver. Others live in long-term care settings. Many who live in the community receive personal care, homemaking and nursing services from staff of community agencies, and some also attend day programs. Alzheimers care facility is a subject caregivers hesitate to talk about. By clicking this link you’ll find more about: - Making the move to a care facility;
- Choosing the type of care;
- Long term care options.
Who Would Take Care?
Who would take care of the person with Alzheimer’s disease if something happened to you? It is important to have a plan in case of your own illness, disability, or death. - Consult a lawyer about setting up a living trust, durable power of attorney for health care and finances, and other estate planning tools.
- Also the aspects on Legal issues need sufficient attention.
- Consult with family and close friends to decide who will take responsibility for the person with Alzheimer's.
You also may want to seek information about your local public guardian's office, mental health conservator's office, adult protective services, or other case management services. These organizations may have programs to assist the person with Alzheimer's in your absence. - Maintain a notebook for the responsible person who will assume caregiving. Such a notebook should contain the following information:
- emergency phone numbers
- current problem behaviors and possible solutions
- ways to calm the person with Alzheimer's
- assistance needed with toileting, feeding, or grooming
- favorite activities or food
Preview board and care or long-term care facilities in your community and select a few as possibilities. Share this information with the responsible person. If the person with Alzheimer's disease is no longer able to live at home, the responsible person will be better able to carry out your wishes for long-term care. Maybe the information on Nursing home care will help you in finding a good place for tour loved-one.
Who Can Benefit From This Information?
This information about Alzheimer care is useful for all people concerned about the quality of care provided to people with Alzheimer's disease. It applies to family, volunteer as well as paid caregivers.
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