Alzheimer’s disease creates constant roadblocks. As a caregiver, it isn’t easy determining how to best care for an aging parent with the condition. Educating yourself is a priority. Recognizing symptoms and anticipating their needs will ensure your parent enjoys a high quality of life. Here’s what you can do to help them.

How to Care for an Aging Parent With Alzheimer’s

1. Create Routines

Confusion can occur as your aging parent’s memory declines. Fortunately, creating schedules will remove surprises that may lead to confusion, as your parent will know what to expect. For example, they should always wake up and go to sleep at the same hour and enjoy meals at a designated time.

To add further markers of the day, let them watch their favorite TV show at the same time every day or read to them after lunch. If you’re away, call at the same hour every day to check on them.

2. Get Them Active

There’s a positive link between exercise and reduced Alzheimer’s symptoms, so try to incorporate at least 30 minutes of physical activity into your elderly parent’s daily schedule.

In addition to a better management of symptoms, your loved one will also enjoy improved cardiovascular health and mood, as well as better muscle and joint health. Walk around the block together or perform light yoga, stretches, or calisthenics in the living room.

3. Change How You Communicate

Communication can become more challenging as your loved one’s condition progresses. While they may have trouble understanding sentences or forming responses, you can reduce confusion by speaking simply, directly, and slowly. Limit questions to yes and no answers, and calmly repeat yourself if necessary.

Always look your loved one in the eye, and say their name to keep their attention. Seniors often learn to use nonverbal communication as Alzheimer’s progresses, so practice using facial expressions during conversations to communicate better.

If you’re a caregiver who’s experiencing difficulty looking after their elderly parent, enroll them in a care home at Hale Makua Health Services in Kahului, HI. This beautiful facility provides around-the-clock supervision by trained caregivers. These professionals will help your parent manage their Alzheimer’s symptoms, and they’ll provide nutritious meals, assist with daily hygiene, and offer engaging group activities. Learn more about their services online, or call (808) 877-2761 to schedule a tour.