5 Things You Can Do For Your Loved One That Has Dementia or Alzheimer's
A Labor Of Love
Having someone you love suffering with dementia can be very daunting overwhelming, and scary. Even though you may feel that there is nothing that you can do to help, you can make sure they can live the rest of their life comfortably. For thirteen years I have worked in a nursing home with residents in their finale stages of dementia. These tips are basic and can be easily forgotten when caring for your loved one. I hope that these tips will help you in your day to day care
Please don't feel alone in this journey there are many outreach centers, and support groups that will offer you help. I have listed some links to the Alzheimer's web sites, and take a look at the related pages at the side of this article. Written by other writers here on Squidoo.
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5 Things You Can Do For Your Loved One That Has Dementia or Alzheimer's
For a better understanding as to what it's like to be an elderly person, Smear some soap on your sunglasses, wear earmuffs, a weighted camera jacket, and thick gloves. This stimulates what it's like to have cataracts, hearing loss, a heart condition, and arthritis. Imagine what its like to have Alzheimer's on top of this. Its important to alleviate these conditions, and to make their life as comfortable as we can. These tips will help
1. Glasses
- Glasses: Eyes naturally deteriorate with age. Depending on the level of the dementia you should get there eyes checked. If they are in their last stages of dementia they should have their progressive lenses changed to a single nearsighted lens (for seeing far way). At this point they won't be reading, and the will be confused by the different strengths in the the lenses. Always keep the glasses clean.
2. Hearing
2. Hearing: Have their hearing checked Some elderly people will take to the hearing aide some will not
3. Teeth
3. Teeth: A visit to the dentist is in order to check for cavities and their gums. You and the dentist will have to discuss if they can undergo any procedure. They may have to be put under anesthesia. If they have dentures make sure that they are fitted correctly. As the dementia progresses don't be surprised if your loved one refuses to give you their dentures for you to clean, or refuse you placing them into their mouth.
4. Bowels
4. Bowels: This can be easily missed. At this age many elderly people are on medication that can constipate. Keep written track. This can definitely be a mood changer. If they haven't gone in 2 to 3 days a laxative will have to be given
5. Your Mood
5. Your mood: I know it's frustrating to have a loved one that has dementia. It isn't called the long goodbye for nothing. Your mood reflects on them. Accept who they are on that day. For example if they are looking for their mother don't say she is long gone, and pushing up daisies. Step into their world, and say mother has gone shopping. There is no need to upset a confused and diseased mind. Instead talk about her mother ask about her mother.
What stage of dementia is your loved one at?
Medical ID
It's important to have a medical id on your loved one, you may not think you will need it in the early stages of Alzheimer's but I think you should for two reasons: 1. It only takes a second for them to get out of your sight and they can move fast when they want to 2. They have to get used to wearing one, in later stages some will try to take it off if they are not used to it.
Recommended Reading
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Helpful Links
- Alzheimer"s Association On FaceBook
- Alzheimer's Association
USA - Alzheimer Society
Canada - Alzheimer Society UK
UK - Dementia - Living With Dementia
Australia - Alzheimer's South Africa
Africa - Alzheimer associations International
Lists all world web sites