If there is one thing that Michael Canzian is thankful for it’s the fact that he has strived to create a healthy mind and body through exercise and proper diet. Of course, he also understands that with Alzheimer’s disease continuing to be an enigma and traditional pharmacological cures remaining elusive, significant research and discovery is still needed to determine root causes and thus identify effective treatments. The fact remains that alternatives approaches must also be seriously considered.
As one ages, the risk of cognitive decline and perhaps even Alzheimer’s is a risk and concern for many older adults. Clues regarding how the disease progresses are helping the scientific community to pursue both traditional and alternative treatments and therapies.
One of the most important factors of the disease that is often overlooked is the impact on the family circle as it is often the case that caregivers are family members who are doing their best to both absorb the cost of care and create a safe and loving environment for their loved ones suffering from this heartbreaking disease.
Of course, living and caring for someone suffering from Alzheimer’s often has its challenges. Michael Canzian empathizes with the stress and financial burden placed on any family who only wish to provide the best care and support possible.
How to Take Care of Relatives with Alzheimer’s
A person afflicted with Alzheimer’s is someone who can no longer function properly due to the nature of the disease. Thus, everyday tasks might become too difficult or frustrating for them. For those who are assigned to take care of these patients, it is imperative to try and assist them in multiple ways to help alleviate their confusion and frustration.
- Create a schedule to provide overall structure and routine to their day. This of course means that the caregiver will often have to be part of the patient’s daily schedule.
- Be patient. One needs to understand that a person with Alzheimer’s is someone who won’t be quick at those tasks that were once considered routine or simple. The caregiver needs to be direct and honest to elicit trust and cooperation to better assist the patient in life.
- Involve the patient in outings, events and normal family life whenever possible. Just because the patient has Alzheimer’s doesn’t mean that he/she is incapable of performing certain tasks. Allow the patient to be involved to create a sense of belonging and self-importance in their lives.
- Provide simple instructions. If one needs the patient to do something, make sure to be clear in what is required. Repetition is often necessary. The caregiver also needs to be mindful of their tone. Given the state of the patient’s mind, the information must be relayed in a simple but effective and supportive way.
- Reduce distractions. Turn off the television during mealtimes so that the patient can focus on eating his/her meals. Distractions make it difficult for the patient to focus.
- Be flexible. A relative with Alzheimer’s will start to depend on others to help them in getting around during the day. Schedules should be adjusted accordingly.
- Check the patient’s house for anything that might cause accidents. Avoid scattered rugs, extension cords, and clutter that could trip the patient into falling.
- Use locks on items that could prove dangerous or fatal for the patient. Dangerous items such as guns and sharp tools must be kept in a locked cabinet. Dangerous substances such as poisonous and toxic cleaning materials should also be locked away.
- Always take fire safety precautions. If of the caregiver isn’t present in the house and someone else has been assigned to look after the sick relative, the house should have a reliable fire safety alarm installed.