New Jersey Alzheimer’s Care

The quality and effectiveness of Alzheimer’s care is greatly improved when the caregiver has a clear understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, including its symptoms, how it affects behavior and the fact that it progresses at different rates from one individual to another.

People with Alzheimer’s typically experience agitation, aggressive behavior, confusion, suspicion and other symptoms as the disease progresses. While Alzheimer’s cannot be cured, those providing Alzheimer’s care can positively impact quality of life by practicing strategies that ease symptoms and provide a safe environment.

Easing Agitation, Aggression

Understandably, Alzheimer’s patients become frustrated when tasks that used to be routine become difficult and confusing. Certain Alzheimer’s care strategies can help ease these feelings:

Provide your loved one the opportunity to do as much for him or herself as possible, but break tasks down into easier to accomplish steps.
To help your loved one dress herself, lay out clothes in the order they go on.
Plan activities that involve your loved one’s previous interests. You may need to simplify these and provide varying levels of assistance, depending on your loved one’s cognitive or physical limitations.
Plan meaningful activities that give your loved one a sense of purpose. For instance, have your loved one complete simple household tasks, or assist with the activities, if needed, such as folding laundry.
Provide opportunities for social interaction, such as trips to the grocery. Plan these around less busy times, as noise and crowds can make persons with Alzheimer’s anxious.
Exercise is an essential part of Alzheimer’s care as it can reduce feelings of agitation.
Schedule difficult tasks, such as bathing, during a time of day your loved one is typically the most calm.

Providing a Safe Environment

Another important component of Alzheimer’s care is creating a safe environment, keeping in mind that persons with Alzheimer’s tend to wander:

Reduce the risk of falling by moving furniture to create wide, clear walking paths through the house. Eliminate throw rugs, clutter and extension cords. Install grab bars and handrails.
Install locks to prevent access to medicine, knives, toxic cleaning supplies, alcohol, guns and other potentially dangerous items.
Lower the temperature of the water heater to prevent scalding.
To protect persons who wander, install locks on all outside windows and doors. For added protection, you may want to install electronic alarms on doors and windows.