Try to check the person's mouth for any problems such as:. Be sure to take the person for regular dental checkups for as long as possible. Some people need medicine to calm them before they can see the dentist.
Calling the dentist beforehand to discuss potential sensitivities may also be helpful. Skin problems. Once the person stops walking or stays in one position too long, he or she may get skin or pressure sores. To prevent them, you can:. Foot care. It's important for the person with Alzheimer's to take care of his or her feet. If the person cannot, you will need to do it. Here's what to do:. Sudden twitching or jerking, known as myoclonus , is another condition that sometimes happens with Alzheimer's.
The person's arms, legs, or whole body may jerk. This can look like a seizure, but the person doesn't pass out. Tell the doctor right away if you see these signs. The doctor may prescribe one or more medicines to help reduce symptoms. Learn more about care decisions and medical options at the end of life.
Read about this topic in Spanish. As the person moves through the stages of Alzheimer's, he or she will need more care. You may not be able to meet all his or her needs at home anymore. It's important to know your limits, take care of yourself, and to seek help whenever you need it. Learn more about getting help with Alzheimer's caregiving and finding ways to care for yourself.
If caring for the person has become too much for you, you can also learn more about finding long-term care for a person with Alzheimer's. ADEAR Center staff answer telephone, email, and written requests and make referrals to local and national resources.
Eldercare Locator toll-free eldercarelocator n4a. National Respite Locator Service www. Hospice Foundation of America info hospicefoundation. National Association for Home Care and Hospice www. NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date. Try to speak calmly and slowly; be aware of the tone and volume of your voice.
Consider sharing familiar stories with the person. Use other methods of communication besides speaking, such as gentle touching or massage. Have the person listen to music or calming nature sounds. To make the person more comfortable: Buy special mattresses and wedge-shaped seat cushions that reduce pressure sores. You can purchase these at a medical supply store or drugstore or online. Ask the home health aide, nurse, or physical therapist how to use the equipment.
Move the person at least once every 2 hours if he or she is sitting up. Move the person at least once every hour if he or she is lying down. Use a lap board to rest the person's arms and support the upper body when he or she is sitting up in bed or in a chair. Use a chair with arm rests to help reduce the chances of the person falling. The arms of a chair may also help with standing.
Give the person something to hold, such as a washcloth, while being moved. The person will be less likely to grab onto you or the furniture. If he or she is weak on one side, stand on the weak side to support the stronger side and help the person change positions. To keep from hurting yourself when moving someone with Alzheimer's disease: Know your strength when lifting or moving the person and don't try to do too much.
Try to explain to the person what you plan to do before you begin to move them. Bend at the knees and then straighten up by using your thigh muscles instead of your back. Keep your back straight and don't bend at the waist. Hold the person as close as possible to avoid reaching away from your body.
Place one foot in front of the other, or space your feet comfortably apart for a wide base of support. Take small steps to move the person from one seat to another. Don't twist your body.
Consider using a transfer belt to help move the person. You can find transfer belts at a medical supply store, drugstore, or online. Read more tips on how to move the person safely from a bed to a wheelchair. Remember that these are just tips—try different things and see what works best for the person: Serve bigger portions at breakfast because it's the first meal of the day. Our response and plans may adjust according to the recommendations from these organizations.
Alzheimer's , Elder Care , General Advice. Aaron Sinykin Devoted Guardians companies have been committed to improving the lives of seniors since We are an in-home care provider of comprehensive home support services to help seniors and disabled individuals who need assistance with daily living. Our professional and compassionate caregivers can not only help ensure your loved one's daily needs are met, but can also arrange for a variety of other services, such as music therapy, hair styling, landscaping, and home repairs, that are simply not available at other home care agencies in Arizona.
In short, Devoted Guardians can help your loved one remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. What Should the Elderly Not Eat? Obesity in the Elderly On. What Does Senior Living Mean?
Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Previous Post. Next Post. Home Care in Phoenix by Devoted Guardians. Made by Aura. Got It! Swallowing Problems in Adults. Meals on Wheels. Find out about free, home-delivered meal services for seniors. Join ALZConnected. Read the Blog. Find Your Chapter. Nutrition tips Make mealtimes calm and comfortable Encourage independence Minimize eating and nutrition problems. Go To Alzheimer's Navigator.
Encourage independence During the middle stage of Alzheimer's, allow the person with dementia to be as independent as possible during meals. In the middle and late stages of Alzheimer's, swallowing problems can lead to choking and weight loss. Be aware of safety concerns and try these tips:. Related Pages Read more about Dental Care. Read more about Daily Care. Read more about Incontinence. Read more about Middle-Stage Caregiving.
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