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Tag: Alzheimer’s activities

Caregiving for Early-Onset Alzheimer’s

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If your loved one has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, this doesn’t mean that they can’t be independent. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “he or she may still drive, take part in social activities, volunteer and even work.” However, everyone is affected differently and should be treated with the personalized care they deserve. This means providing support when they need it, while planning ahead for the future. Learn how caregivers can maximize independence with your loved one.

Routine Reminders

During the early stages of Alzheimer’s, there may be some confusion or frustration when it comes to remembering names and dates. Names may become harder to recall. Similarly, dates for upcoming events or appointments may also be forgotten, especially if they’re not written down or saved on a phone. Caregivers can prompt your loved one to write important information, set reminders, and more. If needed, the caregiver can help with planning and organization for appointments and so on.

Transportation

If a person with Alzheimer’s feels disoriented or confused while driving, this can be dangerous for them and others on the road. It’s important for those with early-onset Alzheimer’s to communicate if they need help with driving so they can be safe, while also keeping their independence. Many caregiving agencies offer transportation services, which can be a relief for family members and reduce stress/anxiety about driving for your loved one.

Health and Wellness

Prioritizing the health and wellness of someone with Alzheimer’s is important. From maintaining a balanced diet to encouraging physical activities, a caregiver can focus on your loved one’s needs directly. They can come up with a plan to help a person in the early stages of dementia with basic cooking and prepping. Also, caregivers can support your loved one’s activities, whether that be exercising outside or moving around the house.

The Next Step

If you have a family member with early on-set Alzheimer’s, contact Home Instead Senior Care for dedicated caregiving services. We are devoted to your loved one’s needs and are here to help families like yours with Alzheimer’s care. For more information about our home care services, call (910) 342-0455 today.

Alzheimer’s Care: Engaging Activities for both Patient and Caregiver

When it comes to Alzheimer’s care, it is imperative to not only find things to keep your client occupied, but to find activities both of you can enjoy together. If the caregiver is able to take part in the entertainment, it is most likely that the activity will be more enjoyable and engaging for the client. Why not make your job even more fun?
When providing exceptional senior care for an individual with Alzheimer’s, it is important to have them partaking in mind engaging activities. When you set time aside for some fun, here are a few activities that you both can enjoy together.

Dance and Listen Music

Dancing is good for the soul. What can be more exciting than being able to move freely to a good tune? Take your client to dance classes offered at your local YMCA or schedule the activity to take place at the facility they live in. This allows them to partake in an activity that they have always enjoyed from years before and can continue to enjoy with other people too. If your client is unable to participate due to their current physical state, sit down with them and listen to some music that they would enjoy. Even this simple task of listening can do so much to brighten their day, and take them down memory lane.

Go Out and Enjoy the Fresh Air

Go out into the fresh air and stretch your legs with these different places to go. Be sure to spread your outings to avoid making them feel rushed and exhausting. Whether it be a store or a mall, a little window shopping can go a long way. This can allow your Alzheimer’s patient to get out of their usual environment and to be around others. While out, you can both grab a bite to eat. Depending on their dietary restrictions, take them to a place that offers food items that they can enjoy. Take them to a local museum to enjoy some art for the day. If they would rather spend some time enjoying the weather, take them to a local park. Being able to observe the scenery and people visiting the park can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity for them.

Stimulate Your Minds

When it comes to keeping clients’ minds stimulated, try to incorporate fun activities such as card games and puzzles that keep them thinking and engaged without growing bored. If they would prefer to play card games, a simple round of solitaire can go a long way. If they would rather put together a puzzle consisting of 200 pieces, that can be a relaxing and engaging activity great for them.

Conclusion

When it comes to providing Alzheimer’s care for a patient, tasks can become mundane and arduous at times. No matter how severe their diagnosis may be, they are still people who deserve to partake in fun activities. Depending on their current state of health, you be the judge of which activities would be best for them to engage in and also which they would rather prefer. Make your job feel more like a career and enjoy the little things with your clients too! Sometimes doing things outside of their daily routine can be positively beneficial and effective for them. Along with their caretaker’s presence, it can make each outing and activity that much more special for the both of you.