5 Tips for Living with Someone with Alzheimer’s

Everything suddenly changes when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Social interactions become more difficult. Planning a simple Kansas City outing becomes a chore. And there are new safety issues to be dealt with.

Here are some tips that can help if you find yourself living with someone who has Alzheimer’s (or other form of dementia):

Learn to communicate. People who have Alzheimer’s can’t communicate as effectively as they did in the past. For example, they may have a difficult time answering questions about short-term events. But there are still ways you can interact meaningfully with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s. Examples include talking about that new Kansas City restaurant you just tried, keeping sentences short and simple, and singing.

Safeguard your home. Wandering can be a big concern for people who have Alzheimer’s, so you’ll want to take prevention measures . These might include installing locks up high, maintaining a routine, adding alarms, and hiding the car keys. Other safety measures might include removing clutter, tossing cigarettes and lighters, ensuring adequate lighting, locking up guns and medications, and creating wheelchair pathways.

Engage the person in activities. Staying socially engaged is important for people who have Alzheimer’s; but that can be difficult because they can’t participate in the same types of activities they may have enjoyed in the past. Try things like listening to music, reading together, simple craft activities, jigsaw puzzles, or looking at old photos.

Learn to manage aggression . Aggression is common in people with Alzheimer’s; but keep in mind it often stems from frustration, confusion, too much stimulation, or unmet needs. To manage aggression effectively, speak calmly and listen to what your loved one is saying. You can also try moving to a quiet location, asking about pain, and changing the subject.

Find respite.  Caregivers need a break once in a while. Enlist the help of an organization that provides respite care services  or a Kansas City adult day care facility . Respite services are not only good for you, as a caregiver; interacting with others can also be good for your loved one who has Alzheimer’s.