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Father with Alzheimer’s, how should we take care of him

Caring for a father with Alzheimer’s is not a case that can touch us all, but surely the fact falls on someone you know. It is not usual as we have just said, but it can happen to anyone and it can appear as an unexpected phenomenon and by surprise; therefore, it can happen to us all.

You’ll find that this is a very important change for everyone, both for the person who suffers it, and for the rest of the family who will be in their care. A parent with Alzheimer’s will notice that it is part of personalized care and will first feel a great frustration seeing that a person needs in their care.

How to start caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s

A father with Alzheimer’s has started to be another person and needs special care. Unfortunately we cannot talk about new developmentsin a resolution to a better quality of life, but about increasing their life expectancy.

Your disease is progressive and you may only be spreading your first symptoms, but as time elapses, your degeneration may increase. Thenerve cells of the brain are destroyed and their brain mass decreases, which can manifest temporal and spatial disorientation, memory loss and a great intellectual and personal deterioration.

Little by little your personal care will be essential and will become more and more permanent, where difficulties as simple as eating, dressing or walking will manifest. It is when you have to consider looking for a caregiver or failing a trusted relative.

It is possible that if you are going to do without a person to accompany him and be able to do his tasks, he will have to confront the situation in a personal way. You will have to make a formal presentation with that person and your father, and talk accordingly about such a situation. We have to explain the new position that will be presented so that it assimilates it.

Is it essential to hire a professional caregiver?

It is clear that the care a person with Alzheimer’s may need can become extreme. With an advanced disease you can do without care 24 hours a day. That is why it can be very tiring and even more if the person in charge has to work.

Perhaps the first approach that comes to mind is the economic issue. Perhaps in that regard it is something that is very disadvantaged as unfortunately the law of independence does not make it very easy . A social worker can tell you what you can borrow, although at this point there are no big economic solutions.

Relying on a person who can take care of him and being trusted can allow you more time for yourself. In addition, you will take care of your mental health as you don’t have to bear so much of your responsibility in caring for someone else. This type of relief will help you keep many moments, clearer and without pressure.

If you have decided to take care of him personally

The first thing you need to do is gather as much information as possible about the disease and its care. There are organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Reference Center (ADEAR) that will help you follow better treatment and solve daily problems much better.

Entering into some community and support group is a very good choice. Whenever your time allows you to download your feelings and concerns in these collective groups. That is why you should look for some support person to be able to enjoy the little moments you need for yourself.

If you are allowed some outside care, look for the moments of worst load. The most flexible moments and where I can cooperate more easily with you save them for you. You must adapt your routine to the best needs and not overload the days.

When looking for moments together you must do things you like and make him feel good. What really works is to make him remember moments from his childhood and share old hobbies.

Daily routines for a parent with Alzheimer’s

Establish a daily routine, you have to follow the same pattern of activities every day.

  • You have to dress every day and this does not have to be a complicated task. You can let him do it only if he is within his capabilities. You’ll need to offer clothes one at a time and dress slowly. Always choose comfortable clothes, which can be easily handled, without many buttons or zippers.

  • A fixed schedule for meals of the day: it is important to follow a routine and you have to do it in aquiet environment without distractions. You have to be patient and avoid rush atmealtime, because it can cause confusion and anxiety.
  • If the person eats alone, it is necessary to make it easier to use cutlery and use deep plates. Drinks may contain a lid so as not to waste liquids and drink more easily, the use of straws are very practical. You have to be careful about your diet, because there are people who can not take care of their appetite and can eat compulsively.
  • Bath time: it can be a relaxing time, which is why you haveto anticipate everything you need before planning the moment. For some patients this moment may be uncomfortable for fear, but you need to arm yourself with patience. If you think that the bathroom is not practical you can use a quick shower.

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