Alzheimer’s is a debilitating disease, but in its early stages individuals are still able to live and function on their own. Watching a loved one’s ability to handle daily tasks dwindle is difficult but the following is some advice that will assist you in being a better caregiver as well as maintain the dignity and comfort of the individual. Take it from a Michigan nursing home, these practical tips will help.

First off reduce the frustrations. A dementia patient may react with frustration, agitation and even aggression as everyday tasks become difficult. To counter this you should establish a daily routine that is predictable and easy to understand then make sure you difficult tasks like doctor appointments and baths for when they are the calmest throughout the day. Involve them in as much as possible. You can lay out their cloths in the order they need to put them on so they can dress themselves. A good idea is to limit the decisions they need to make. Lay out just two outfits to pick from instead of pointing them to the closest. Most importantly, take your time and give simple instructions. One step at a time is the best way to go.

Secondly you need to be flexible. As your loved ones ability to function declines, their ability to cope will vary from day to day. Being flexible and adapting every day is integral to a happy environment. You may find that your loved one insists on wearing the same outfit each day. Instead of making an issue of it, buy identical outfits and swap them out while they are bathing. It might not hurt to relax your standards, a bath may not be necessary every day, especially if it upsets them. A sponge bath between showers or baths might be just the thing you need.

Thirdly, keep the environment safe. Alzheimer’s reduces judgment and decision making skills which can increase their chance of injury. Make sure to use locks on cabinets that may contain anything dangerous, and you want to avoid throw rugs, extension cords and as much clutter as you can. Installing handrails and grab bars in critical areas can help a lot. Another good idea is to lower the thermostat on the hot-water heater; this will prevent the chance of your loved one burning themselves. Make sure you keep emergency supplies and a first aid kit readily available and keep the smoke alarm batteries fresh.

Each person experiences Alzheimer’s differently so it’s important to tailor your MI Assisted Living care according to their needs. An individual’s response to specific things can be drastically different than another’s so stay on your toes and do what you can to easy the struggle, and remember to take your time. Things will take longer than they used to, keep in mind the need to schedule more time in the day to complete tasks that may seem simple. Kalamazoo Senior Services are always willing to help, so don’t be afraid to look into getting a little help if you need it.