Alzheimer's Carers: Practical Tips for Providing Compassionate Everyday Support

There can be rewarding experiences and problematic times when you're caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. Simple activities in everyday life may take longer — and require patience, planning and flexibility. Knowing how to help with daily tasks without taking away dignity and compassion can be a big part of life for a carer of someone with Alzheimer's.

 

Giving care is not about having an ideal solution in any situation. It's all about learning to adapt, identifying changing needs and remembering the individual receiving care is the priority of all decisions.




 


 Understanding the Person Behind the Condition

 

The most critical thing to keep in mind as a caregiver is that dementia should not be the entire person. They have a personality, memories, interests, relationships and preferences that are still relevant.

 

Fleeting Moments & Magic Memories by Joanne Nesbit delves into this aspect from the experiences of members of the Magic Memories Friendship Group. This book includes real-life examples as well as a chapter with practical advice for carers.

 

It may be worth the time to find out what is important to an individual and what their usual routines are so that carers can make them familiar and comforting.

 

 Make Everyday Routines familiar

 

When other parts of daily life become confusing, familiar routines can help to offer a sense of structure. Keeping to a routine of regular meal times, familiar activities and consistent surroundings can help to make everyday tasks easier to manage.

 

In the book, Joanne focuses on practical strategies to foster an enabling environment such as: Calendars and information boards; Reducing unnecessary clutter; Thoughtful planning for lighting and contrast around the home.

 

It is not intended to transform the whole thing. Sometimes minor changes can make a big difference in daily life.

 

 Communicate With Patience

 

As dementia worsens, communication can become more challenging. May have difficulty finding words, comprehension of a conversation, or communicating needs.

 

Patience is of the essence for Alzheimer's carers. Allowing people time to react, listening and not letting the pressure build up can make conversations less stressful.

 

Using familiar language and asking one question or instruction at a time instead of presenting multiple questions or instructions can also be helpful.

 

 Encourage Meaningful Activities

 

Activities can provide structure, enjoyment and opportunities for connection. They can be simple and inexpensive!

 

Activities covered in Fleeting Moments & Magic Memories are: puzzles, colouring, outings and time together.

 

The best thing to do is to use an activity that people are interested in and can do. The things that used to be fun may still have a comforting role to play, and some things might have to be modified as things change.

 

 Focus Your Own Health

 

However, at times caregivers are so caught up in caring for the person they care for that they neglect their own needs. But it can be challenging to care for others and to take breaks in order to sustain wellbeing.

 

Joanne's caregiver guidance covers health and wellbeing, emotional difficulties and identifying if further support is needed.

 

Support from family and friends may be possible and can give the primary carer a chance to have some rest, attend appointments or just have time away from the caring.

 

 Develop a Support Network

 

No caregiver should feel like they are responsible for everything. Financial and emotional assistance from family, friends, and community support groups can help.

 

In Joanne Nesbit's book, Magic Memories Friendship Group, she provides an example of friendship group forming through shared experiences. Members can communicate, be involved in activities and connect with other members outside of groups.

 

Being able to ask questions or voice concerns at a place can assist others with Alzheimer's stay less isolated in their caregiving journey.

 

 Compassion in Everyday Care

 

Perfection is not a requirement of Compassion. It can be demonstrated through patience in a challenging conversation, showing respect for another person's preferences, modifying an activity, and/or spending time together.

 

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