Alzheimer's and dementia caregiving takes patience and flexibility. Each person with Alzheimer's disease will experience its symptoms and progression differently, so the individual’s care must be tailored to the person’s abilities at that time.
Establishing a daily routine helps alleviate some of the anxiety and frustrations felt by both loved ones and caregivers by making them feel more comfortable with a sense of familiarity. Keeping activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating at the same time each day, provides a sense of consistency.
Keep in mind some tasks are easier when the person is most alert and refreshed.
Use cues to establish the different times of day—opening the curtains in the morning, for example, or playing soothing music at night to indicate bedtime.
Caregivers should try to avoid making significant changes to a routine, as this can be confusing for someone.
Sometimes, some changes are unavoidable. Individuals with Alzheimer’s often require time to adjust to new people and places, so caregivers should try to implement changes gradually.
Take your time. Anticipate that tasks may take longer than they used to and schedule more time for them.
Caring for a loved one with memory impairment can take its toll on the caregiver as well as the entire family. The well-being of both your loved one and the entire family should be considered when thinking about getting professional help. Getting help for the daily care of your loved one can free up the family’s time to enjoy each other and build relationships and memories.
The SafeCare Neighborhood at The Arbors Assisted Living at Islandia East is a dedicated neighborhood serving seniors who need a higher level of personal attention due to the difficulties of Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It offers 24-hour supervision with highly trained staff who are experts in communicating with those suffering from dementia and who can recognize potential health risks.
Each resident is evaluated and provided with an individual treatment plan, which will include services and amenities that help slow the progression of dementia. Research suggests that regular exercise and providing meaningful everyday activities may reduce or delay functional limitations in individuals with dementia while boosting feelings of self-worth, individuality, and purpose. The SafeCare neighborhood is easy to navigate and designed with all the senses in mind, with calming colors and textures. There are significant safety precautions in place, from alarmed doors and cameras to plenty of staff providing comfortable, familiar daily routines.
If your loved one suffers from memory impairment and you would like more information about the SafeCare Neighborhood at The Arbors at Islandia East, give us a call at (631) 232-3131.
Medical House Calls With Compassion is an organization of healthcare providers focused on providing in-house care for patients that cannot leave their homes. We bring the office to you in the belief that every individual deserves proper care and respect.
We treat patients between the ages of 18 and 114 years. Specializing in chronic conditions, we also focus on preventative care! We care for patients with dementia, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, ALS, diabetes, high blood pressure, lung diseases, obesity, infections, and much more.
Learn more about us here.
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