Caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease is a unique position that can be rewarding. By providing assistance for your parent at home, they won’t have to move into a nursing facility where they won’t know anyone. However, this type of care is not always easy. Below, the compassionate team at Memory Care Home Solutions in Saint Louis, MO, offers three tips to help you provide the best experience possible for a parent with Alzheimer’s.

3 Ways to Become a Better Caregiver

1. Exercise Patience

People with dementia tend to slow down. Their thoughts aren’t as fast as they used to be, and it can take a them a longer time to perform daily tasks and carry out conversations. As such, it’s crucial you are patient and understanding. This will help prevent frustration for both parties and make the caregiving experience easier and more positive.

2. Create a Routine

Seniors who have memory issues benefit from following daily routines. These simple, repetitive behaviors are easier to follow each day than if you switch up the schedule frequently. For example, write down a hygiene list with topics like getting dressed, brushing their teeth, and combing their hair. Encourage the senior to follow the sequence every morning—this will improve their memory of how to care for themselves.

3. Learn How to Handle Aggressive Behavior

It can be surprising to witness a calm, loving parent become aggressive during their senior years. Alzheimer’s and similar memory diseases can contribute to these sudden mood swings. When this happens, stay patient and respond with kindness if your parent becomes angry and aggressive. Assess the situation, and improve their safety by calming them down. You can ask why they’re upset and address that need. For example, they may simply be thirsty and require a glass of water. Also, discuss aggression with their doctor, as this can sometimes be a side effect of certain medications. 

If you want to improve your skills and knowledge as a caregiver, turn to Memory Care Home Solutions in Saint Louis, MO. They offer training programs to help people better care for parents with Alzheimer’s disease. They also offer occupational therapy and home safety assessments. Give them a call today at (314) 645-6247 to schedule an appointment, and visit their website to learn more about their services.