How to Work with Alzheimer's Patients

People with Alzheimer's are the most complicated of special needs patients. They can transform from the person we know and love to a complete stranger in the blink of an eye. It's a frightening change that robs the person of memory, control, and reason. Working with Alzheimer's patients can be a rewarding experience, if you are willing to take on the challenge.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Alzheimer's is a disease that affects a person gradually. It can take several years for the disease to run its course. The physical health may not change, but the mental state will deteriorate steadily. Through all the changes, we have to remember that deep down, they are still the same person we care about.
2. As the disease progresses, the person may become very unpredictable. They may forget to eat, bathe, or change their clothes. They may forget where they're going or how to get somewhere. Encourage them to carry a note pad and to make lists of things they need to do or directions.
3. When Alzheimer's reaches an advanced state, the person may become violent. Frustration takes over and they lose control. Many times, they have no clue as to what they are doing or why. You may need to learn some techniques on how to restrain them so that they don't hurt themselves or others.
   
   Learn their triggers and responses so you can ready when a violent episode is about to take place. Many times there are no triggers or warnings.
4. Patients tend to revert to a familiar, happy time. Don't try and talk them back to the present. This will only cause confusion. Talk to them, let them tell you stories. It's relaxing for them. When patients reach this stage, it may benefit you to put an alarm system on door and windows. This will alert you if the patient wanders outside.
5. When the disease has progressed to the point, where the patient has little or no memory of current events and is starting to wander off frequently, you may want to consider having a home health care worker visit your home a couple days a week. Another option would be an extended care nursing facility. Many of Alzheimer's units where the staff is trained to deal specifically with this disorder.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient. This will be upsetting for you, but completely frustrating for them.
• Alarms on doors leading outside will keep a patient from wandering off. It will also be a distraction for them, giving you time to respond.
• Be observant. Violent episodes can happen at any time.
• Work with the patient's physician. Keep up on all meds and manner of treatment the patient is involved with.