Alzheimer’s disease can be a hard disease to handle. It is even harder when it is your own parent who is ill. You have to be on top of things at all times. Here are seven ways you can help your parent with Alzheimer’s disease.
Make plans
You need to get your parent’s finances and other things in order now. Some things you might consider doing is creating a power of attorney for your parent. If you are going to be the main caregiver you should probably have power of attorney, that way you can see to your parent’s financial and medical needs. By creating a power of attorney your parent will no longer have to worry about finances. They can concentrate on themselves.
Find help
Caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s disease can be burdensome to you as a caregiver. Try and find a local support group for you and for your parent. You can find an affordable memory care community that can help your parent maintain their memory functions while letting you have some quiet time to yourself. You can also look into parent day care where someone will take care of your parent for a couple of hours a day.
Danger proof
Make sure any obstacles are out of your parent’s way. You want to keep matches and knives put away. Also be sure the car keys are put somewhere safe. You need to keep your parent free from harm.
Medical record
You should keep track of any symptoms your parent may have and any medication they are taking. That way when you speak to their doctor you will have everything written down for them. This will help your doctor track the Alzheimer’s and know how to better care for your parent. Keep track of any over the counter medicine they may take and any illnesses they may have. This may seem tedious, but it will be a big help for the doctor.
Freedom
It may seem that you are doing everything for your parent. If that is the case, slow down. Let your parent do what they can for themselves. This will help build their confidence and keep their mind working. An active mind is a great deterrent for Alzheimer’s disease.
Schedule
Make up a daily schedule and stick to it. Repetitive days will help your parent keep on top of what is happening and may help their memory. This will also help lower the stress that you are both feeling. If you need to schedule an appointment or other possibly stressful thing do so when you know your parent will be agreeable. This will reduce the stress for both of you.
Meals
If your parent is living alone and needs to have meals prepared consider getting food delivered. There are programs set up to deliver food to people with Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions. Meals on Wheels is one program that will take food to your parent so they do not have to cook. A person with Alzheimer’s should not be cooking for themselves and eating out or getting take in will add up in costs quite quickly. People who deliver food with a program are trained to be aware of who they are delivering their food to. They will be patient and understanding with your parent.
These suggestions will help you and your parent have a less stressful time while dealing with Alzheimer’s. Remember to get outside and do some light exercise, like walking to a park or a dance class, to help with your parent’s memory and stress. Take care of yourself so you can take care of them.