Every caregiver should know how to provide Alzheimer's sufferers with proper care and a safe daily life. The most important thing is to create friendly four angles. Almost 90 percent of Alzheimer's sufferers stay at home and spend the most time in their home for the rest of their lives. That is why it is worth adjusting the interiors to the needs of the sick person.

Caring for people with Alzheimer's diseaseis particularly difficult. Rule number one is: it must be safe in the sick home. To achieve this, no major renovation is needed, just a few minor modifications.

  • Give the sick person their own room. It should be a place that he knows well and where he feels good. If this is not possible, it would be worthwhile, for example, to designate a separate section only for the sick person in the living room. In the room, apart from a comfortable bed, there should also be an armchair and a table with your favorite things - a photo album (it is worth signing them, then it will be easier for the sick person to recognize people in the photos), books or hand-held items (e.g. handkerchiefs, balls, etc.) .
  • Take care of proper lighting. There should be a light switch next to the patient's bed, as well as a small bedside lamp, which will make it easier for others to move around during bedtime. The sick are sometimes very active during this time: they use the toilet, take a walk, etc.
  • Secure stairs and floors. As the disease progresses, the person under care becomes less agile and may easily trip and fall. Therefore, give up sidewalks, rugs and thresholds. If there are stairs in the house, attach anti-skid or reflective tape to each step. You can also install gates. Place a washable carpet or panels on the floor instead of carpets or rugs. Such materials can be easily cleaned. They also do not absorb unpleasant odors (in the later stage of the disease, the patient does not control his physiological needs)
  • Remove dangerous items. Make sure that the patient does not have access to glass, sharp or heavy objects. Also, place matches, lighters, medicines, cleaning agents, and harmful substances out of its reach. Wardrobes and other furniture should be placed against the wall so that the patient does not trip over or hit them. Any long wires must also be thereburied. If this is not possible, cover them with special strips or tape them to the floor. Cover all plug sockets (special plugs can be purchased, for example, in some children's stores).
  • Do not let the sick person open windows and doors on their own. Install security measures against opening windows and balcony doors. Additionally, internal and external doors cannot have latches or hooks, as the patient may try to lock himself in the room. When leaving the house, it is good to install a bell or an alarm that will go off when the resident tries to leave the house alone.
  • Protect gas and electricity meters from access by patients. He may try to manipulate them on his own. Hide important documents. Keep passports, policies or money out of the patient's reach, e.g. in a locked drawer or safe.
  • Give up mirrors. Patients are often afraid of their reflection in the mirror. Therefore, it is best to cover them or remove them.
  • Describe the apartment. On doors, windows or pictures there should be cards with inscriptions that will allow you to move around the house efficiently.
  • Provide access to the telephone. Write a list of important numbers for the caregiver, for the emergency room, etc. next to the phone.
  • Be with the sick when he smokes cigarettes. Keep lighter, matches and cigarettes away from the sick person (risk of fire). Always accompany him when smoking.
  • If the patient is driving a car, prevent him from accessing the keys. A car trip would be tragic not only for him, but also for all the traffic.

Cuisine adapted to the needs of Alzheimer's patients

A person with Alzheimer's disease spends a large part of their time in the kitchen. In the initial phase, such patients are able to prepare meals, wash or clean themselves. However, in the event of an exacerbation of the disease, they rely on the help of others. Therefore, the room should be as friendly as possible for the patient and his caregiver. It is worth sticking to the following rules:

  • Secure the gas supply to the stove, especially in times when the patient is unattended. This will protect against gas leakage and explosion. It is similar with the electric stove - it should be protected against turning it on, because uncontrolled use by a sick person may result in burns or even a fire. Just in case, also install smoke detectors in the apartment.
  • Use an electric kettle. It is good if it has an automatic switch, because the mentee may forget that it was turned on. Knives and other cutlery, as well as glass dishes should be hidden so that the patient has no access to them.Cabinets and kitchen drawers should be secured in case a sick person wants to get to them.
  • Replace glass vessels with plastic ones. This will help to avoid being injured by a sick person who loses their fitness. Such tableware is also easier to care for - it can be washed quickly and dries quickly.
  • Let the sick person eat with their fingers. If the patient has an increasing problem with the use of cutlery, give them up. It is best to serve food that is easy to handle. The sick person may spill drinks and crush food. However, it is worth eating on your own as long as possible. In order to keep order, it is worth using plastic washers under the plates (the dishes do not slip then) and bibs (the patient will not stain their clothes). Also, always remember to check the temperature of the food, as the patient may have problems with the correct assessment.
  • Buy a small fire extinguisher. Always keep it handy and use it in the event of a fire. This will prevent it from spreading any further.

Adapting the bathroom to the needs of people suffering from Alzheimer's

  • Secure sockets and glass items. Plugs should be in the sockets to prevent the patient from turning on the dryer or the washing machine. There is a risk of electric shock if it comes into contact with water. All cleaning products and cosmetics must be hidden in the key cabinet. The sick person may try to eat or drink them. Glass, sharp objects must also disappear from the bathroom (risk of injury).
  • Set the optimal water temperature. The tap water should not be too hot or cold (the patient may have a problem with the assessment and, for example, burn himself). Ideally, it should have a constant temperature. Install handles and non-slip mats - they will help in a safe toilet. Remember to take care of the sick person. Keep his hair clean and trimmed. The same goes for brushing your teeth. For men, you should also shave regularly.
Important

When a sick person gets lost or lost

Running away from home is a common problem for people with Alzheimer's disease. We advise how to prevent this and what to do when the patient moves away.

Make patches. On the inside of the patient's jacket or sweater, sew in a piece of paper with the address of the caregiver's phone number. In the event of their disappearance, it will enable their quick finding and safe return home. Have a stock of pictures of the sick person. If he gets lost, the photo will help identify the sick person by people who may have met him during the journey. Inform neighbors and employees of nearby stores about the disease. If necessary, they will know who to notify if the patient suddenly leaves the house.

Important

Where to lookhelp?

  • Polish Association for Helping People with Alzheimer's Disease ul. Emilii Plater 47, 00-118 Warsaw, tel. 22 622 11 22, www.alzheimer-waw.pl (also addresses of local organizations)
  • Polish Alzheimer's Foundation ul. Widok 10, 00-023 Warsaw, phone: 22 827 35 86

Dosage of medications for people suffering from Alzheimer's disease

People suffering from Alzheimer's disease must constantly take medications prescribed by a specialist. The caregiver should always monitor that the patient has actually swallowed the recommended tablets.

  • Pay attention to punctuality. Make sure you take your medication in the right doses and at the right times. Special binders available in pharmacies will help you with this. If he refuses to take medications, give them with food, e.g. in cottage cheese.
  • Don't leave medications unattended. Patients often forget that they have already taken the drug. After a while, they want to take another dose. It can be dangerous. Also secure the first aid kit.
  • Do not stop treatment. Breaks in taking your medications can worsen your symptoms.

Adapt clothing for people suffering from Alzheimer's disease

A progressive illness at some stage may limit the possibilities of dressing. The carer will have to help with putting on and taking off the clothes every day.

  • Sew in the Velcro. Use Velcro instead of buttons in clothes. It is better to buy clothes with a zipper or put on over the head. Tracksuits work great. Choose easy-to-use shoes. Velcro fasteners are best, not laced ones. Buy rubber boots to keep it from slippery.
  • Mark the drawers. In the wardrobe, stick the names or pictures of individual garments, e.g. socks, pants, jackets, etc. It will be easier for the sick person to find the missing clothes.
  • Prepare a wardrobe. Each morning the student / ward should have a ready-made set of clothes in the order in which they are to be put on.

Train your memory and form

The earliest symptom of Alzheimer's disease is memory impairment. Unfortunately, as the disease progresses, the problem will only get worse. That is why it is worth using simple exercises to support the work of the brain.

  • Describe the photos. The patient should have an album with photos of people who contact him. It is good to make simple captions under each photo, eg Jan - son. An alternative is to describe the photos standing on the desk or table. This will facilitate the identification of people by the sick person.
  • Stick to the plan. The daily schedule (meals, medications, toilets, etc.) should be constant. This will give the patient a sense of security
  • Buy a calendar. Thanks to this, the patient will know what year it is,month or day.
  • Don't do it. Patients should be able to perform simple activities such as watering flowers or vacuuming.
  • Encourage physical exercise. The right dose of gymnastics will allow you to avoid running away from home, because the patient will be tired. Try to practice with him. These can be simple arrangements, e.g. tossing a ball or a bicycle.

Disease of extreme emotions

A person suffering from Alzheimer's disease often loses the ability to reason logically at the beginning, and various types of disorders come to the fore. The guardian should be able to deal with unusual behavior.

  • Do not be stressed by spite or accusations. Bothersome behaviors (suspicion, aggression, tearfulness) are not aimed at you - they are caused by a progressive disease. This way the sick try to get attention. Common mood changes are also common for people with Alzheimer's disease. Do not blame yourself for the negative emotions of the sick person because you have no influence on them.
  • Calm the sick. When a stressful situation arises, don't react by shouting or aggressively. Get away from the mentee for a moment, calm down. After a few minutes, try to cheer him up, move on to another topic.
  • Get to know its habits. It will help you in difficult times. For example, when a sick person accuses someone of stealing. Determine where he hides his belongings most often, browse trash cans. Speak in plain language. Use simple sentences. The sick person is not able to absorb a lot of information at once.
  • Formulate your questions appropriately. Try to let the patient answer yes or no, instead of, for example, drinking coffee, juice or tea.

Don't forget about yourself

Taking care of a person with Alzheimer's disease every day is a difficult and exhausting task. It requires a lot of patience, peace and dedication. Often, after a few years, it results in fatigue, discouragement and even depression. However, this should not be allowed to happen. From the very beginning of the diagnosis, the caregiver must also take care of his own well-being. How to do it?

  • Include others in the care of the sick. Agree with other family members who can look after the mentee and how often. Do not take all responsibilities only on your shoulders. Some tasks, e.g. requiring physical effort, incl. transferring a sick person, pass on to other people. You can also use the help of social centers or private institutions. If the burden of daily care becomes unbearable for you, consider placing the person in a care home.
  • Don't quit your job. As long as the patient is fit, there is no reason to give up work.Even a few hours away from home is a chance to break away from care problems. Moreover, being cut off from the source of income may worsen the family's financial situation. If the condition of your person worsens, consider hiring a nurse or a nanny for the duration of the job.
  • Do not neglect your own he alth. Visit your doctor regularly and perform the recommended tests. Thanks to this, you will not overlook the symptoms of your illnesses.
  • Find a moment just for yourself. Being constantly with a sick person who develops anxiety, hallucinations and delusions puts a heavy burden on your psyche. Therefore, do not devote all of your free time to looking after the person you care for. Make time to go to the movies, meet friends, go to the gym.
  • Don't neglect your family. You have the right to pleasure, because you will be able to fulfill your tasks better when you are relaxed and content. Don't be afraid to ask others to keep you company when you need to leave the house.
  • Contribute to online forums about caring for people with dementia. In this way, you will exchange valuable experiences and practical advice. You will also meet people who suffer from similar problems. Also, look for a carer support center in your area.
  • Seek help from a psychologist. You will receive support in difficult times, e.g. when the sick person does not want to follow your orders or is aggressive. The specialist will also indicate appropriate solutions in a situation where, inter alia, you are considering placing the charge in a 24/7 facility.

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