Tips for Caring for Someone with Alzheimer's
Being around a family member or loved one suffering from cognitive decline is a heartbreaking experience that can make you feel helpless and confused.
Alzheimer's disease and dementia are not the same. Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia that primarily affects memory, thinking, and behavior, and it is the most common cause of dementia.
Dementia, on the other hand, is an umbrella term used to describe a range of symptoms associated with cognitive decline, including memory loss, impaired reasoning, and difficulty with daily activities, which can result from various diseases, including Alzheimer’s.
At Visiting Angels, we understand the challenges in providing care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Our goal is to provide caring support and information to help you and your loved one during this challenging time.
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
Recognizing the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease is important for timely diagnosis and intervention. While we all do any number of these on any given day, it’s important to pay attention to the frequency and degree that your loved one displays these symptoms.
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty following daily routines or schedules.
- Disorientation: blanking on familiar activities
- Visual confusion: inability to read consistently, judge distances, or detect colors or contrast.
- Verbal wandering: misusing words, not following conversations, repeating themselves.
- Losing Items
- Impulsive or risky behavior
- Increasing isolation
- Moodiness
If you notice any of these signs in a loved one, it may be time to seek medical advice. Diagnosis in the early stages, coupled with support can make a significant difference in managing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Recognizing the Stages of Alzheimer’s
While there is significant research and even some advances in the treatment and management of Alzheimer’s disease, the progression speed varies by individual, and how they respond to care and treatment is varied. It is difficult, especially while in the early stages, as they are aware of their loss of cognitive abilities, and often try to hide or overcome it.
In general, however, there is a series of seven stages that those with Alzheimer’s face.
- Stage 1: No Impairment - There is a diagnosis or predisposition, but no symptoms
- Stage 2: Very Mild Cognitive Decline - memory lapses, similar to normal aging
- Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Decline - increased memory lapses, especially with decision-making, names, planning
- Stage 4: Moderate Cognitive Decline - forgetting the past, mood changes
- Stage 5: Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline – increased memory lapses and confusion, disorientation
- Stage 6: Severe Cognitive Decline - increasing inability for self care and decreasing awareness
- Stage 7: Very Severe Cognitive Decline - inability for any self-care and limited recognition or awareness
No matter the stage in-home Alzheimer’s care can help older adults age retain a high quality of life without having to move to a nursing home.
Alzheimer’s Support for Caregivers
Navigating Alzheimer's or other mental health decline can be challenging, but the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) offers support and resources for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers, such as:
- National Toll-Free Helpline: This line is available seven days a week and is staffed by licensed, dementia-trained social workers who offer support in 90+ languages.
- Caregiver Support Groups: Weekly phone groups led by trained social workers for connection and sharing.
- Care Connection Webinars: Monthly expert-led sessions on caregiving, risk reduction, and family dynamics.
- AFA Teal Room: Virtual therapeutic programming, including music, art, and dance therapy.
- The Apartment: A dementia-friendly living space prototype with design tips for maintaining independence.
- Alzheimer’s TODAY Magazine: A free publication offering helpful and uplifting articles for caregivers.
For more details, visit AFA Caregiving Resources.
Tips to Help Those Caring for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming and feel like more than a full-time job. Here are some essential tips to help manage this journey:
- Educate yourself about the disease
- Take care of financial, legal, and long-term care planning
- Employ cognitive stimulation
- Arrange for respite and/or regular professional care
- Build a support system
Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for your loved one. Seek help when needed and prioritize your well-being.
What Not to Do
Interacting with a loved one experiencing cognitive decline can be frustrating for both the person suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s and family members, especially during late-stage decline. Despite the challenges, it is important to socialize with your loved one as much as possible because social interaction is extremely beneficial for Alzheimer’s patients.
Here are a few hints to keep in mind NOT to do while around your loved one.
- DON’T Argue or correct them.
- DON’T Overwhelm with information
- DON’T Ignore their feelings
- DON’T Use complex language
- DON’T Isolate them
- DON’T Neglect their physical health
- DON’T Treat them like a child
Effective communication with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s is essential for their well-being. Here are some tips to help:
- DO Simplify language
- DO Maintain eye contact
- DO Be patient and calm
- DO Use non-verbal cues
- DO Avoid correcting
- DO Break down information
- DO Create a quiet environment
- DO Reassure and validate
Adopting these strategies can improve communication and create a more supportive and understanding environment for your loved one with Alzheimer’s.
When to Ask for Help
Avoiding burnout while caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is important. Knowing when to ask for help is crucial. Whether it’s skilled health care support or respite care, it’s important to not ignore your needs, as well.
If you experience or notice any of the following, for you or your loved one, it’s probably time to ask for help:
- Physical and emotional exhaustion
- Declining health
- Safety concerns
- Increased care needs (incontinence, increased personal care needs)
- Social isolationBehavioral challenges
- Need for Financial and legal planning (end-of-life care & planning)
If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, know that you are not alone. For more information or to explore Alzheimer’s in-home care options, call Visiting Angels at 609-641-7200 or request Alzheimer's care here to learn more.
Serving Egg Harbor Township & Atlantic County, NJ
Visiting Angels EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, NJ
3153 Fire Road Unit BEgg Harbor Twp, NJ 08234
Phone: 609-641-7200
Fax: 609-641-7110