The person with Alzheimer’s might require assistance in personal care tasks like shaving, eating, bathing, and toilet use. Guidelines for providing this kind of care are discussed.
How can I help my loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease to meet their needs for personal care?
People suffering from Alzheimer’s disease will eventually require help with daily activities (ADLs). Based on the degree of independence, someone with Alzheimer’s may require assistance with personal care tasks like eating, shaving, bathing, and even using toilets. To aid in these activities, caregivers must have skills, knowledge, and patience.
Here are some suggestions to take care of your loved ones’ personal needs:
General advice
Create the routine. Plan grooming routines for an identical time and location every day. For instance, you can brush your teeth following meals or schedule baths for the mornings or in the evenings. Pick the most relaxing time of the day to bathe and grooming.
Respect your privacy. Shut the doors and curtains. Protect the person by covering them with a bathrobe or towel.
Inspire independence to the greatest extent possible. This will encourage an attitude of achievement.
Be aware of the person’s capabilities. Give them enough time to complete every task, for instance, brushing one’s hair or brushing their teeth.
Encourage and encourage the person to the person who is working on tasks. Recognize the effort after the task is completed. “You did a nice job brushing your hair today.”
Let the person know who you are. “I am going to wash your hair now.”
Cleanse your fingernails and cut.
The grooming process should be broken down into step-by-step, easy instructions.
Eating
Make sure you provide your loved ones with a healthy diet and plenty of nutritious liquids, such as juice or water.
Encourage independence in eating when your loved one can. Think about serving foods on a finger that are easy for your loved one to manage and take in.
Equipment that is adaptable, like silverware or plate guards with specially designed handles is offered to people who are unable to hold their hands or using tools.
Do not force feeding. Encourage your child to have a meal and attempt to determine the reasons why they don’t want to consume food. Be sure to treat them as an adult, not an infant.
Bathing
Take away or secure throw rugs to avoid fall.
In the event that the patient is overweight or unable to provide assistance, A special bathing apparatus may be required. The therapist or doctor can offer guidance on how you can properly bathe your loved ones.
A full bath might not be required all day long. A bath with a sponge could suffice.
Be sure to test whether the temperature is right in your shower or bath. It is possible to think about setting your thermostat for hot water at 120° Fahrenheit.
If you are planning to bathe inside the tub, consider using a bathing chair that has handrails. Also, put rubber mats in the tub to avoid sliding.
Make use of a showerhead that is handheld.
Check that the bathroom is well-lit and warm.
The person should wash himself or herself (if capable). If necessary, guide the person through each step by giving simple instructions. Another option is to put your hands on top of theirs to aid in the washing process.
Make sure that genital areas, as well as the area beneath the skin folds and those that are difficult to reach, are clean and dry well following the shower.
Dry the skin. Do not rub. Use lotions to help keep your skin soft and soft.
Do not leave a weak or confused person alone in the bathtub or shower.
Shaving and hair care
Try washing hair at the sink, particularly in the event that baths are preferable over showers.
If you have a loved one who is able to go, a visit to the barbershop or salon can be a pleasant and rewarding experience.
Try using dry shampoos in the event that the person is bedridden or is afraid of having their hair washed.
To lessen the chance of getting cuts, make use of an electric razor to cut particularly if someone is taking blood thinners (such such as Coumadin(r)).
Dressing
If the person is able to dress themselves, put on your clothes in the order that they will be worn.
Purchase loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.
Purchase clothing that is simple to wear and take off. Shoes and clothes that have Velcro closures and large zippers are superior over buckles, belts, buttons, and shoelaces.
Dental treatment
If someone is brushing their own teeth, assist by putting toothpaste onto the toothbrush.
If the person doesn’t clean their own teeth, help them.
If the person is unable to open their mouth, try only cleaning the exterior of their teeth.
If a person is wearing dentures, they should clean them each throughout the day. Verify that the dentures are fitted correctly, and also check the gums for any the presence of sores or red spots.
Make sure that the person rinses their mouth with water following every meal.
Ask your dentist for advice on providing good dental care.