Every year millions of adults step into one of the most important jobs in the world: taking on the responsibility of being Alzheimer's caregivers. This can be both overwhelming and rewarding for any adult, especially when they are in charge of caring for a parent or loved one.
While it can be rewarding, as many caregivers know, this job can also be very frustrating as well. Alzheimer's disease is a condition that can completely change the behavior and the personality of the individual it impacts.
While many of the day to day responsibilities of being an Alzheimer's caregiver can be understandably frustrating, there are a few things that care providers can do each and every day to help keep their frustrations at bay.
1. Take Your Time
When acting as an Alzheimer's caregiver you have to completely disregard the idea of ever being in a hurry. You should expect things to take longer, and that is OK. No matter what you are doing, always expect that it will take longer than you want it to. Make more time for tasks and they won't seem as frustrating.
2. Teach Yourself to Be Organized and Well-Scheduled
If you want to find success in the world of Alzheimer's caregiving, then you need to master the art of scheduling. The more of a routine you create, the better off you will be. Schedule everything you can and do your best to stick to that schedule no matter what. Individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's disease often thrive in situations where they can stick to a routine.
3. Involve the Individual and Provide Them With Choices
Being a caregiver to an individual with Alzheimer's doesn't mean taking control and taking charge of every situation. It means working with the individual you are caring for. Alleviate frustrations by involving the individual and allowing them to do as much as they can on their own. When it is time for you to step in and make a decision, try to allow the individual with Alzheimer's to participate. Provide them with choices, but not too many choices. For example, when it's time to choose clothing for the day, lay out two outfit options for them to choose from.
4. Reduce Distractions
It can be so difficult for an individual with Alzheimer's disease to focus in on a single task at hand. This can be even more difficult when there are distractions. If you are trying to communicate, give them clear and precise information and make sure that you eliminate distractions such as side conversations, food, background noise and television while communicating.
There is nothing that can be done in order to completely alleviate some of the frustrations that come with knowing someone with Alzheimer's disease as there is nothing that can be done to cure this terrible condition. However, these easy yet effective tips can really go a long way in helping caregivers alleviate some of the frustrations that can make this job so overwhelming.
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