Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: Discussing Care and Setting a Routine
Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease for both the patient and loved ones trying to give care. A vast range of emotions including anger, fear, denial and even relief will come after a diagnosis. Before this point a person will often have experienced so many troubling symptoms like memory loss that there is a certain amount of peace that can be found when a definite reason is uncovered. Within this turmoil it is important to make time to discuss long term care options along with a daily routine.
Why is Routine so Important for Alzheimer Patients?
Many of the issues associated with Alzheimer’s like confusion, forgetfulness and anxiety can be minimized with routine by providing a very basic comfort. Here are some fairly simple things you can do to make a loved one’s environment better:
- Serve meals at the same time every day
- Keep things in the same place
- Place memory photos in the home/room (also keep these in the same places)
- Set a television to switch to the patient’s favorite programs at certain times every day
- Remember that holidays can be difficult for people with Alzheimer’s because holidays signal a change in the routine
Discussing Care in the Early Stages
When a loved one is diagnosed, the immediate reaction is to worry for their safety and well-being. However, it is very important to use the time to discuss what that person wants to do while they are still able to and what they expect to be done as the disease progresses.
It is imperative that you listen to and respect your loved ones wishes and understand that they still likely have many things they want to do in life and now need to do them fairly quickly while the disease is in the early stages. Things like travel, for example, will become more difficult in later stages.
Some patients will also have the expectation of remaining in their home for the remainder of their life. This may seem impractical, especially if the person lives alone, but there are in home care options that make this possible. Comfort Keepers of Santa Clarita, California is one such option that provides in-home, non-medical care that can greatly improve both the quality of life and safety for a person living with Alzheimer’s. If your or a loved one has been diagnosed contact Comfort Keepers to learn more about their care options.
Santa Clarita Comfort Keepers
23900 Lyons Avenue
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
661-287-4200
