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Providing your loved one with Alzheimer’s care means helping them manage day-to-day activities and household tasks. But if you’ve never had to take on this type of responsibility before, you may wonder what the best course of action is. To ensure your loved one remains healthy and happy, follow the tips below. 

5 Ways to Help People With Alzheimer’s With Daily Tasks

1. Set a Routine

For people with Alzheimer’s disease, unpredictability can cause stress and confusion. Establishing a daily routine and sticking to it will help them feel calm and comfortable. Additionally, if they know what tasks and activities to expect each day, they will be more likely to be active participants, which will give them a greater sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

2. Encourage Independence

Promote independent living by allowing your senior family member to make decisions each day, even if they’re minor. For example, let them choose their clothing, meals, or music, and ask them to help you with simple tasks and chores. By giving them opportunities to express their independence, they’ll feel involved and stimulated.

3. Focus on Safety

senior-care-Toms-river-New-JerseyAn Alzheimer’s care plan should include altering the environment or living space to prevent falls and accidents. Rearranging the furniture and removing obstacles such as rugs, extension cords, and other clutter in the home will increase mobility. Keep dangerous items locked away, and remove fire hazards such as matches and lighters. If your loved one is unable to safely cook food for themselves, arrange for a home care service that also includes meal preparation.

4. Practice Patience & Understanding 

Your senior loved one is likely to do things at a slower pace than before, so plan ahead for the extra time they’ll need for daily tasks. Keep instructions simple and easy to follow, and expect that there will be some communication missteps along the way. Personality changes are also likely, so make sure you have a support system to help you deal with the frustrations these shifts might bring.

5. Stay Flexible

As your family member’s condition changes over time, so will their abilities and need for help. As such, it’s important to stay flexible and adjust your schedule and caregiver services accordingly. Be open to exploring your caregiving options, such as in-home senior care or assisted living.

 

If your loved one needs help performing daily tasks, turn to Visiting Angels in Toms River, NJ, for Alzheimer’s care services and independent living solutions. Their compassionate caregivers are dedicated to providing the assistance needed to help your family member age in place and remain independent for as long as possible. To schedule a consultation, give them a call at (732) 240-1050, and visit their website to learn more about what they do.

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