How You Can Make Life Easier for Alzheimer Patients
Aging comes with various body complications, and mental state deterioration is just one of them. Mental illness is a common problem, and many people do not realize that they have it until when the symptoms manifest. With time, it gets worse such that the patient might not recognize close family members. It is a scary moment for family members especially when they do not know how to handle a loved one with mental illness. Sometimes, even the patient might not know what to do. Taking care of a loved living with Alzheimer’s disease is not easy, and there are a few things you should know to make life easy and comfortable for them.
Take note of the trigger and avoid them. Various triggers worsen the condition, and the triggers are unique to every patient. Observe the patient to identify some of the triggers and note them down. Coordinate with other caretakers and family members to identify the triggers so that you identify them accurately. Sometimes, it might be difficult to identify the triggers unless the patient tells you so do not be afraid to ask. Once you know the common triggers, controlling or avoiding them becomes an easy task, and thus, you can manage Alzheimer.
Ensure that the environment is safe for the patient. In some instances, Alzheimer patients might get hurt if the environment has dangerous objects. They can get out of control and disappear and that exposes them to a lot of dangers. If the disease is in a critical stage, you must provide a safe environment for the patient. Identify any hazardous objects such as knives and store them safely from the patient and if you cannot watch them, employ a full-time caretaker. You might also decide to move your loved one to the senior center for treating Alzheimer. Ensure that you do not force the patient to go to a senior center and you should consult him or her before making the decision.
The patient must be on a healthy diet and exercise regularly. The best way of taking care of your mental health is by ensuring that you take care of your body. Living a healthy lifestyle will translate to a stable mental state. It is advisable for the patient to engage in regular workouts. Find a professional fitness instructor who is conversant with exercises for Alzheimer patients so that your loved ones do not strain. Ensure that the patient maintains eating a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and antioxidants. It is advisable to take healthy foods such as vegetable and fruits, but you can also consult a nutritionist for more information.
Have a daily routine of activities. The unpredictability of events can worsen Alzheimer condition, and that is why your loved one should have a routine. Everything that the patient does should be planned, and it should be repeated every day from when he wakes up until bedtime. A routine provides a sense of security, and the patient will master it over time.
Engage the patient in various activities. Keeping your mind busy is a good way to avoid many other bad things. Do not let the Alzheimer patient idle but you can organize some activities you can do together. For instance, you can read books, play games, cook, dance or do gardening. Further, you can find online platforms on Alzheimer, and you can read more here to increase your knowledge of the disease and how to take care of patients.