How to Care for Someone With Alzheimer's Disease

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By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (3 Ratings)

70 percent of people with Alzheimer's live at home, and most are cared for by family members. Caregivers are called upon to provide moral support, medication, meals and days structured with activities. Prepare to care for someone with Alzheimer's through research, organization and planning.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Supplies for activities

Decide What Kind of Care is Appropriate

Step 1

Learn about Alzheimer's disease through research. Visit the Alzheimer's Association website.
Step 2

Know the stages of levels of care for each stage. Type "stages" into the search bar on the Alzheimer's Association website.
Step 3

Choose between home-based care or a facility. Take the quiz at the Positive Aging Resource Center website.

Prepare Your Home for Someone With Alzheimer's Disease

Step 1

Keep things in the same place and label drawers and closets. In later stages, label everyday objects like "bed" and "chair" and photos of friends and family.
Step 2

Open the curtains to let in sunlight, which is important for establishing sleep patterns.

Simplify Your Approach

Step 1

Provide structure and routines for the day including meal, medication, exercise and bath times.
Step 2

Prepare food in small, easy-to-eat portions. Cut up fruit and vegetables, and make small sandwiches that can be handled easily.
Step 3

Be straightforward and clear when communicating. Don't use slang that might be confusing.

Care for Someone With Alzheimer's

Step 1

Plan activities and create projects based on things your loved one likes to do and provide word games and puzzles.
Step 2

Let him or her do small things around the house. It may not actually help you, but it will give them a sense of accomplishment.
Step 3

Keep the patient physically active with moderate exercise such as yoga, gardening and walking.
Step 4

Reduce stress and anxiety, which often causes wandering, through massage and aromatherapy.
Step 5

Stay in the same room as much as possible during waking hours. Someone with Alzheimer's disease may be afraid to be alone.