Legal
and financial planning should begin soon
after a diagnosis has been made. Your loved one may have the capacity
to manage their own legal and financial affairs at present, but as the
disease advances, they will grow more dependent on you to act in their
best interest. This transition is never easy. However, advanced planning
as soon after diagnosis as possible will allow the patient and the family
make as many decisions as possible together.
Routine grooming
and hygiene It is not uncommon for the patient to experience loss of
bladder and/or bowel control. This loss of independence and privacy
can be very difficult for all involved. Incontinence can be caused by
many factors, including medications, stress, a physical condition, or
the environment. If incontinence is a new problem, consult your doctor
to rule out potential causes such as a urinary tract infection, weak
pelvic muscles, or medications.
Good oral hygiene
can be a challenge for individuals with Alzheimer's. Even something
as simple as brushing their teeth can become difficult due to the
individual's inability to understand and accept assistance from others.
It can sometimes be helpful to give short, simple instructions. Instead
of "Brush your teeth" try: "hold your toothbrush," "put paste on the
brush," and "brush your top teeth," etc. Demonstrating can be a good
technique. Hold a brush and show the individual how to brush his or
her teeth. It is important to monitor daily oral care. You should
be sure that teeth or dentures are cleaned after each meal and flossing
is performend daily. Remove and clean dentures every night, and brush
the person's gums and roof of the mouth. If the person refuses to
open his or her mouth, there are aids available from your dentist
to painlessly prop the mouth open. Facial expressions during meals
or refusal to eat may indicate oral discomfort.
Clothing and appearance
are important to everyone's sense of self-esteem, therefore it is
important to consider the patient's likes and dislikes. I have found
it useful to keep the choices simple. Each morning, offer two choices
of outfit, keep excess clothing to a minimum. Lay out clothing in
the order it needs to be put on, or hand the person each piece while
giving short, simple instructions. Try not to rush, it could create
unnecessary anxiety. Be flexible, if your loved one wants to wear
the same outfit repeatedly, try getting a duplicate of the outfit
or have similar options available. Comfortable and simple clothes
are best, Cardigans or shirts that button in front are often easier
to work than pullovers. Velcro can often be substituted for buttons,
snaps, or zippers that may be difficult to handle. Make sure the individual
has comfortable shoes and that the shoes are not slippery.
With
personal care activities, it is important
to consider and, if possible adapt the individual's past routine whenever
possible. As you assist the person, be patient and creative. The approach
that worked yesterday may not work today, so be flexible.
Caring
for a Alzheimer's patient can be overwhelming,
exhausting, and stressful. You will probably notice changes in your
relationship with your loved one with Alzheimer's, family members, and
friends. It is critical that you do not neglect your own physical and
mental health. Stress as an Alzheimer caregiver is not unusual. More
than 80 percent of Alzheimer caregivers report that they frequently
experience high levels of stress, and nearly half say they suffer from
depression. Too much stress can be damaging to caregivers and the person
being cared for. Recognizing the signs and learning how to reduce stress
can help. Some warning signs of stress include denial, anger, exhaustion,
irritability, and health problems.
