Providing warm and high-quality care to people with Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia and is primarily characterized by:
- Memory loss.
- Language impairment.
- Difficulty with temporal, spatial and personal orientation.
- Difficulty in planning tasks or solving problems.
- Changes in personality and behavior.
This disease develops in different stages. At each stage, the needs and care are different, and it is important to address them while ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of both the affected person and their caregiver.
Depression in older people
For this reason, it is advisable to pay attention to the evolution of the disease and adapt the care, routines and the way of treating , placing special emphasis on communication with the affected person.
In the first stage or mild phase, the person with Alzheimer's has everyday forgetfulness , difficulty finding the right words, or remembering the names of people who have recently been introduced to them.
It is also common for complex activities that he used to do without difficulty to now require much more effort and generate anxiety.
However, he remains independent in carrying out basic daily activities.
The diagnosis is made in the second or moderate stage. It is usually the family who, faced with evidence of progressive deterioration, decides to seek medical advice.
Memory for recent events is severely impaired; however, past events are still remembered with remarkable clarity. Problems will arise with the use of devices, such as operating appliances properly or making phone calls. Furthermore, memory loss and disorientation intensify, and language difficulties become more pronounced.
She maintains some awareness of her situation, which generates anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
This is the stage where the person begins to need levels of help to perform everyday activities such as showering, cooking, or choosing and wearing appropriate clothing.
The third stage, the advanced phase, is one of total dependence , where the person needs help to survive. By the end of this stage, they are no longer able to move independently, express themselves verbally, or respond to their environment. The affected person no longer recognizes those around them or even themselves. They lose control of their bowel and bladder, and experience significant weight loss. Their vulnerability to infections increases.
Guidelines that facilitate the care of people with Alzheimer's:
- To foster their autonomy.
- Simplify the tasks.
- Break down daily activities.
- Allow time to complete the tasks.
- Help, but don't solve.
- Maintain routines.
- Promote physical activity and cognitive and functional stimulation.
- Maintain an appropriate tone of voice and physical contact.
- Making decisions about the future: dependency law, social resources.
Practical tips for everyday activities
Dress and styling:
- Simplify the contents of cupboards and drawers.
- Label the drawers with images of their contents.
- Choose clothes that are easy to put on and take off.
- Wear safe footwear to reduce the risk of falls.
- Make dressing easier: by organizing clothes in order of placement.
Intakes:
- Serve the dishes one at a time.
- Simplify the task: present dishes one at a time, only provide the one that needs to be used, are some examples.
- Keep to schedules.
- Involve him in the preparations as much as possible.
Hygiene and bathing:
- Respect their privacy
- Make the bathroom a safe zone: non-slip mats, grab bars, bath chairs, etc.
- Explain the sequence of steps to follow to complete the hygiene or bathing task.
- In advanced stages, periodically remind the person of the need to go to the bathroom.
Nighttime rest:
- Establish sleep schedules: avoid excessive daytime sleep and go to bed early.
- Reduce the risk of falls (motion-sensor lights, removing objects that may interfere with walking, getting out of bed slowly, etc.)
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