MAS Home Care specializes in New England Alzheimer’s care. As a caregiver, it can be quite a challenge to care for a patient who is living with this disease that destroys the neurons in the brain and causes victims to lose their intellectual capabilities. It requires a great deal of patience and flexibility. Whether you have outside help or are the sole caregiver of an Alzheimer’s patient, here are some tips for Alzheimer’s care:

The most important concern that is faced when caring for an Alzheimer’s patient is safety. Alzheimer’s disease impairs judgment and problem-solving skills, increasing your loved one’s risk of injury. Just as you would “baby-proof” your home for a young child, considerations need to be made when living with someone with the disease.

• Prevent falls. Avoid throw rugs, extension cords and any clutter that could cause your loved one to trip or fall. Install handrails or grab bars in critical areas.
• Use locks. Install locks on cabinets that contain anything potentially dangerous, such as medicine, alcohol, guns, toxic cleaning substances, dangerous utensils and tools.
• Have clear labels. Make sure items are clearly marked so they can easily be located and to limit confusion, especially on foods and toxic substances. Putting sticky notes on cabinet doors stating the contents can help limit frustration for patients in the early stages.
• Check water temperature. Lower the thermostat on the hot-water heater to prevent burns.

Another goal as a caregiver is to limit the frustration felt by the Alzheimer’s patient. At the same time you can limit your own aggravation level by stepping back and assessing if the situation is dangerous or a mere annoyance. In the later cases it can be best to let things go, especially if it is comforting to your loved one. If Mom wants to eat her cereal with a fork is it really that big of a deal? The same goes for verbal statements he or she may make. It can be best to just agree rather than start an argument. Here are some other suggestions:

• Schedule wisely. Establish a routine to make each day more predictable and less confusing. Schedule the most difficult tasks, such as bathing or medical appointments, for the time of day when your loved one tends to be most calm and agreeable.
• Take your time. Expect things to take longer than they used to. Schedule more time to complete even simple tasks so that you don’t need to hurry your loved one.
• Involve your loved one. Allow your loved one to do as much as possible with the least amount of assistance. For example, perhaps your loved one can dress alone if you lay out the clothes in the order they go on.
• Limit choices. The fewer the options, the easier it is to decide. For example, provide two outfits to choose between — not a closet full of clothes.

Remember that each individual’s situation is unique and that Alzheimer’s care depends on the stage they are at with the disease. For more information, visit alz.org, or contact MAS Home Care today.

For New Hampshire Alzheimer’s Care:
MAS Home Care of New Hampshire
500 Harvey Road
Manchester, NH 03103
603-296-0960

Rhode Island Alzheimer’s Care:
MAS Home Care of Rhode Island
1243 Mineral Spring Avenue #208
North Providence, RI 02904
401-312-1160

Maine Alzheimer’s Care:
MAS Home Care of Maine (Portland)
21 Saco Street
Westbrook, ME 04092
207-591-4457

MAS Home Care of Maine (Bangor)
360 Harlow Street
Bangor, ME 04401
207-561-9533