The director of The Cottages offers tips for helping caregivers keep the peace.
Amarillo, TX, May 20, 2016 – Family and friends of loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease are likely to find that day-to-day care requires a lot of patience. Agitation and confusion can make it difficult for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease to navigate even some of the simplest tasks on their own. While the difficulty of watching a loved one’s condition progress can complicate matters, there are simple approaches that can make it easier to keep the peace and provide a loved one the proper care, respect and dignity deserved.
“Helping reduce the confusion of memory loss while providing a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease some control over decisions can both help maintain peace and calm,” says Trent Quinn, founder, president and CEO of The Cottages. “While there are no guarantees that every day will be a good one, simple strategies can help loved ones navigate their lives easier while reducing the symptoms of agitation and irritation.”
Some of the tips that can help on this front include:
- Scheduling – Establishing a daily schedule for routine activities, such as meals and bathing, can help the loved one know what to expect. Sticking to that schedule as much as possible can provide the comfort that goes along with a predictable routine.
- Limiting choices – Overwhelming loved ones with choices can be counter-productive, but taking all choice away can, as well. With that in mind, limit choices when possible. Instead of offering four outfits to wear for the day, select two. Offer up a few meal plan ideas instead of a long list.
- Lowering distractions – Helping loved ones living with Alzheimer’s maintain focus can be very important. During conversations, limit distractions by shutting of the television or turning off the radio.
It is estimated there are more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease. Helping them enjoy their lives to the fullest is the aim of caregivers across the country. For loved ones who provide this care at home, help is always available when needed. Respite care, adult daycare and other tools may provide assistance. In cases where symptoms have progressed, around-the-clock care in loving, home-like professional environments may offer the peace of mind required.
About The Cottages Senior Living
The Cottages have been operating in Texas since 1997 and are family owned and operated by The Cottages Senior Living. The Cottages are state-of-the-art certified assisted living residences for people living with Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders.
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