Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s

Pexels photo by Kampus

By Tammy Burkhalter,

Former Director of Congregational Care,

First Presbyterian Church, Greenville, SC

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he,

I am he who will sustain you.

I have made you and I will carry you;

I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

Isaiah 46:4 NIV

Considering that an estimated seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s Disease, it is very likely that Dementia will touch your own life in some way. An Alzheimer’s Caregiver will need compassion, physical strength and stamina to

provide general care as well as current knowledge of the disease. Familiarize yourself with Alzheimer’s and other areas of Dementia. If you are a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s, ask family and trusted friends to stay with your loved one while you run errands or to help with yard work and household chores.

Reach out to the Alzheimer’s Association to find out what resources are available such as Respite Programs and an approved list of sitters.

1-800-272-3900.

Some things that will be helpful as you care for

your loved one with Alzheimer’s:

1. Selfcare - Get the rest and proper nutrition you need. Keep your doctor appointments and include time for worship and laughter. You are not being selfish and do not feel guilty about taking care of yourself. By taking care of

   yourself you are ensuring you have the strength, energy, and clarity needed to provide the best possible care for your loved one.

2. Eye Contact - Alzheimer’s can affect a patient’s peripheral vision. Whenever you talk to them, address them face to face at eye level.

3. Peaceful Voice - Use a calm slow voice to avoid agitation. Speaking calmly, clearly, and in short sentences will help them process what you are saying and will avoid any fears. A peaceful voice it will evoke peace in them.

4. Be agreeable - Never argue about how they perceive things. Be agreeable and help them stay calm, safe, and comfortable. Ask simple questions such as what they liked when they were little, and be a good listener.

5. Distract - When they become upset, distract them with something such as a magazine or a bird outside.

6. Stay Active - Take them for a short walk around the house or yard. Assist them with simple tasks such as helping fold clothes. Find out what interests them such as music, gardening, or auto mechanics, and incorporate those interests into their weekly activities.

7. Rest - Keep their sleeping environment safe, quiet, dark, and a comfortable temperature. Nighttime can bring on fears and feelings of agitation sometimes referred to as “sundowners.” Keep them calm by applying lotion, brushing their hair, playing soft music, or reading encouraging Scripture.

8. Hygiene - Keep it simple; always explain to them what you are doing and why to help minimize their fears. They can be very sensitive to touch, so for a shower ensure the water force is not too strong and the temperature just right. Include them in the bathing process and show respect. Provide a shower seat to avoid falls. A good bathing schedule may be every other day with daily grooming.

9. Clothing - Due to sensitivity to touch and difficulty to maneuver buttons and zippers, select clothing that is soft and easy to pull on.

10. Overall Health - Keep doctor appointments and properly administer all medicines. Provide nutritional meals that may need to be soft or even pureed, and include a balanced variety of foods and plenty of water. Each day can bring new challenges as well as new opportunities and insight; remain flexible and roll with the flow while maintaining some structure.

11. Faith - Involve them in prayer. Ask if they have something they would like you to pray for or if they would like to pray. Read prayers and Scripture together.

    
    
    
    

    “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

    Hebrews 4:16 ESV

    
    
    
    

    Tammy’s Recommendations

    
    

    Some books that I found helpful:

    * The 36-Hour Day by Nancy L. Mace, MA & Peter V. Rabins, MD, MPH

    * Mayo Clinic on Alzheimer’s Disease by the Alzheimer Experts at Mayo Clinic

    
    

    “Find an Alzheimer’s Support Group near you and support the Alzheimer’s Association by participating in one of their fundraisers or simply by donating. One day we may have a cure for this disease that robs us of our precious memories.”

Tammy Burkhalter served as Director of Congregational Care at First Presbyterian Church, Greenville, SC for 22 years. She volunteered as an Alzheimer’s Support Group Facilitator for seven years and cared for her mother who lived with Alzheimer’s for ten years. She is now a full-time grandmother to

her one-year-old grandson.