Daily care of an Alzheimer's patient is as much an art as it is a skill. Here are some concrete suggestions to help deal with the behaviors of the Alzheimer's patient.
The Alzheimer’s patient may become argumentative or violent, may try to get away, or may be unresponsive. Underneath may be feelings of fear and vulnerability. The Alzheimer's Association recommends the following, when handling Alzheimer's patients.
Best Ways to Approach the Alzheimer’s Patient
- Move slowly when approaching the patient.
- Approach patients from the front where they can see you coming, so they do not get startled or surprised.
- Once you have approached the person, stand alongside him instead of face to face. Standing face to face can seem confrontational, whereas standing alongside is perceived as supportive.
- If the patient is seated, crouch low so that you are looking at her eye to eye.
- Do not grab or touch the person, this may feel threatening. Instead, offer your hand so he may take it.
- Call the person by name. Alzheimer’s patients remember their own names even very late in the disease. However their married name often disappears from memory.
How to Get the Alzheimer’s Patient to do Daily Activities
- When you want the patient to do a task, offer simple choices, (i.e "Would you like to put on your blue or your red sweater?") instead of asking yes/no questions (i.e. "Would you like to get dressed?")
- Ask for their help. (i.e. "Will you help me by putting your arm in this sleeve?")
- Ask them to try. (i.e. "I know it seems hard but will you give it just one try?")
- Break the task down into simple steps. (i.e. don’t say “Let’s go to lunch.” Instead say, “Put your foot down for me." When they've done that go to the next part, i.e. "Lean forward" or "Stand up" or "Let’s walk to the kitchen.”)
- Use short, simple, sentences and give concrete information (i.e. "It's time to eat.")
How to Have a Conversation With the Alzheimer’s Patient
- Go slow.
- Use familiar words and phrases.
- Use objects to show what you are talking about.
- Be prepared to repeat conversations.
- Look at the person and look interested.
- Be prepared for emotional outbursts.
How to Deal With Distress in the Alzheimer’s Patient
- Remember to approach the person from the front, then step to the side in a supportive stance and offer your hand. Be at eye level.
- Try to understand the need or the emotion behind what the person is saying. What are they feeling?
- Use “active listening” and empathy. Repeat back to them what they seem to be feeling, i.e. "It sounds like you are sad." "It seems like you don’t like these eggs." "It sounds like you are cold and you need a sweater." Try to understand what they are going through, for example, “I want to go home,” means “I don’t recognize anything around me.”
- Don’t argue. Do not try to talk the patient out of their delusion. This will increase their agitation and it will not work.
- Try to distract or re-direct the person. “I know you don’t like the eggs. Let’s try some of the bread. Didn’t you tell me you used to enjoy making bread? Tell me about the bread you made.”
Other Skills for Dealing With the Alzheimer’s Patient
- Give lots of praise and positive strokes when they help you.
- Show your appreciation.
- Use humor when appropriate.
The Alzheimer’s Association can provide information to help family and professional caregivers cope with Alzheimer’s patients. The Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center offers information on diagnosis, treatment, patient care, caregiver needs, long-term care and research related to Alzheimer’s disease.
Copyright Lisa C. DeLuca. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
Lisa C. DeLuca - Lisa C. DeLuca is a psychotherapist/social worker who works with families and teens. She also treats panic and anxiety disorders.
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