Cypress Springs Alzheimer’s Care
Written by Post on February 4th, 2010 in Home & Family.
It is a challenge that can sometimes be overwhelming to take care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Cypress Springs Residence for Alzheimer’s Disease can help provide the care your loved one needs if they have been diagnosed with this condition.
Providing basic care for a patient adds new demands to that person daily as a result of the changing intensity of the disease as it progresses through various stages. Cypress Springs Residence for Alzheimer’s has a unique approach in aiding the patient and family members.
Alzheimer’s Disease is progressive, degenerative, and to date, irreversible condition. Nerve fibers become tangled in the brain and protein deposits develop on the brain. This causes a certain form of dementia in which the patient loses the ability to take care of himself over time. Some of the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease is memory loss, disorientation and communication problems. They may also show signs of aggressive behavior, wandering and becoming more withdrawn.
While caring for a patient with this condition there are lots of strategies to communicate with them better. Some of these include always approaching the patient from the front so as not to startle them. If the patient acts as if he doesn’t want you to be too close, honor their wishes and be patient. Reducing noise and distractions help keep the patient calm. Make sure to speak clearly with a soft tone of voice. It’s always a good idea to move slowly and describe what you are doing. Use simple words and short sentences. Make sure you aren’t tense or hurried, as the patient will pick up on this and it might frighten them. When the person shows signs of memory loss, simply repeat yourself to clarify. Use the same words so as not to confuse them further. Doing things in a repetitious way is soothing to an Alzheimer’s patient, so try to do things as closely as you can the schedule the patient is used to.
If the person repeats himself by asking the same question repeatedly, be patient and give the same answer each time. If a complex task like bathing needs to be done, try to break it up into smaller parts that are easier.
At times, patients with this condition won’t be able to find the right word they need to convey their needs. The patient will be very frustrated by this. If this should happen, try suggesting words similar to the topic at hand. Don’t correct the patient when he/she uses the wrong word because it will only upset them and cause them unecessary embarassment.
If the patient has lost his verbal skills and you have to communicate with them, try using non-verbal modes of communication. They may continue to understand that you are smiling at them, or touching their hand gently and trying to comfort them.
A few of the problems a caregiver can come across while helping their loved one is problems arising from incontinence. If this occurs, follow schedules for providing drinking fluid, always making sure the patient is being hydrated properly. If possible, try offering to take the person to the toilet every 30 minutes. Don’t show any negative emotions in reaction to a person’s incontinence.
Sometimes patients with Alzheimer’s might not want to bathe. Try scheduling baths at the same time every day in order to reduce the emotional trauma. Hand the patient the wash cloth, soap and other supplies which may help he or she remember what bath time is. Walk slowly with the patient to the bathing area. Make sure the bathroom is a comfortable temperature and well-lit. Stay calm and quiet, using a soft tone of voice. Keep the process as simple as possible. Sometimes handing the patient a wash cloth to hold onto will distract them while you bathe them. If it so happens that the patient is being caused too much emotional distress by regular bathing, sponge baths are a vialbe option. Making sure to keep the patient calm and not afraid is the single most important thing to do.
The Tulsa memory support system uses daily exercise in addition to outing and group activities to help residents who suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease. They provide individual plans for each patient based on their specific needs . The staff is always well qualified to care for patients with Alzheimer’s and are carefully selected as well qualified and trusted individuals.
Patience and compassion are of the utmost importance when caring for a person with Alzheimer’s Disease.
