Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease can be a challenging and sometimes overwhelming task. Cypress Springs Residence for Alzheimer’s Disease can help provide the care your loved one needs if they have been diagnosed with this condition.

Basic care of a patient suffering from this diagnosis can cause the caregiver to have new demands placed upon them daily, due to the changing levels the disease poses as it progresses. Cypress Springs Residence for Alzheimer’s has a unique approach in aiding the patient and family members.

Alzheimer’s Disease is progressive, degenerative, and to date, irreversible condition. Nerve fibers become tangled in the brain and protein deposits develop on the brain. This causes a form of dementia in which the patient, over time, loses their ability to do activities of daily living such as bathing, eating or speaking. Some of the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease is memory loss, disorientation and communication problems. They may even show signs of aggressive behavior, and wander off or become withdrawn.

In caring for a patient with this condition there are many strategies for communicating better. Some of these include always approaching the patient from the front so as not to startle them. Should a patient act as though he does not want you to be too close, it’s best to honor his wish and be patient with him. Reducing noise and distractions help keep the patient calm. Make sure you speak clearly but in a soft tone of voice. Always move slowly and describe what you are doing. Use short sentences and simple words. Be sure you aren’t too tense or hurried as the patient will pick up on your emotions and can potentially be frightened by them. If the person is showing signs of memory loss, simply repeat yourself. Make sure and not confuse them further by using the same words. Keeping things to a routine is soothing to an Alzheimer’s patient, so try to keep things to a routine the patient is comfortable with.
If the person repeats himself by asking the same question repeatedly, be patient and give the same answer each time. If a task needs to be done such as bathing, try to break complex tasks into smaller ones.

At times, patients with this condition won’t be able to find the right word they need to convey their needs. The patient will be very frustrated by this. If this happens try suggesting words that are similar to the topic. Don’t correct the patient when he/she uses the wrong word because it will only upset them and cause them unecessary embarassment.

If the patient has lost his verbal skills and you have to communicate with them, try using non-verbal modes of communication. They may still be able to understand the fact that you are smiling at them, touching their hand gently or trying to comfort them.

Some problems a caregiver might come across while aiding their loved one is problems with incontinence. If this should occur, follow a routine of when to drink so that the patient is always hydrated. If possible, offer to take the person to the restroom at 30 minute intervals. Don’t show any negative emotions in reaction to a person’s incontinence.

At times a patient with Alzheimer’s may not want to bathe. To reduce the emotional trauma of this, try scheduling the bath at the same time each day. Hand the patient the wash cloth, soap and other supplies which may help he or she remember what bath time is. Walk slowly with the patient to the bathing area. Make sure the bathroom is a comfortable temperature and well-lit. Stay calm and quiet, using a soft tone of voice. Keep the process as simple as possible. Sometimes handing the patient something to hold will distract them while you bathe them. If it so happens that the patient is being caused too much emotional distress by regular bathing, sponge baths are a vialbe option. Keeping the patient calm and unafraid is the most important goal.
The Tulsa memory support system uses daily exercise in addition to outing and group activities to help residents who suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease. They provide individual plans for each patient based on their specific needs . The staff is always well qualified to care for patients with Alzheimer’s and are carefully selected as well qualified and trusted individuals.

Patience and compassion are of the utmost importance when caring for a person with Alzheimer’s Disease.