There’s no sugar-coating just how much of a challenge it is to care for a parent living with Alzheimer’s in your home. It’s emotionally and physically challenging to maintain balance, in yourself and in the relationship you have with your parent.

It’s frightening to watch the person you’ve known all your life slipping away, but, it’s important to try and remember that the person who brought you up is still in there, despite the memories fading.

This is a caregiving role not to be taken on lightly. The more you know about the disease itself, the better it’ll be for both of you, and for the family.

You’ll need support, and there are many other people who are going through exactly the same experience who can share their own small successes and the tougher times with you, so that you know that you’re not alone.

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s your parent will know that things are slipping, that their own sense of independence is on the wane and that they’ll have to begin to accept help, no matter how difficult it may be.

There are ways to make caring for your parent with Alzheimer’s easier on you both, and here are a few tips that might be of assistance:

Daily chores

Your parent will still feel of use if you are able to make up a list of daily chores or tasks that he or she can do around the house, no matter how big or small they may be.

It’s the sense of achievement that counts most for your parent, aside from which your relationship will also retain as close a bond as possible in the circumstances.

Depression and anxiety often walk hand in hand with Alzheimer’s, and keeping your parent occupied with things he or she can still do, will help to keep these feelings at bay.

Exercise, music and games

If your parent is still physically able, go for walks as often as possible to keep depression from settling in. Try to keep the walk along a familiar route, as familiarity is also a great way to avoid anxiety.

Sleep will also come easier if your parent is exercising, and if you’re using exercise machines at home, let your parent join you. Getting good sleep is one of the best benefits of exercise, so it’ll do you both good to keep moving!

Music is a universal language, one that triggers memories more than virtually anything else can, and nothing can soothe quite like the right kind of music can.

Play music you know your parent used to enjoy and make a real meal of it by getting him or her to get up and dance a bit, it’ll be good for the soul. If it doesn’t work the first time, keep trying, because when you hit a good day and the dancing happens, the joy will be worthwhile!

Playing simple board games or building puzzles, if your parent can, will keep the memory muscles stimulated, which is extremely important for someone living with Alzheimer’s.

Don’t give up too easily, the breakthroughs are so precious. When you see music or an activity light up in your parent it’ll make the difficult days a little easier to bear.

Routine

Routine is fundamental to the health of your parent living with Alzheimer’s, and though you may need to assist with grooming and bathing, doing these things at the same time and in the same routine every day will add a sense of security and familiarity your parent really needs.

Daily wear

Many people with Alzheimer’s will wear the same clothing day in and day out because there’s a familiarity to them, and if this becomes an issue, go out and get a few of the same so that this doesn’t become an unnecessary battleground for either of you.

Keeping it simple

Keeping it simple makes everything easier on both of you, and on the family. Keep meal times, bathing routines and outings as peaceful as possible, so that the confusion your parent is dealing with isn’t raised more than it has to be.

Call for help when you need it!

Alzheimer’s care and Dementia care is available for when you need to take a necessary break…and you’ll need it, especially when frustrations build up and start leading you down the path to depression!

Contact CareChamp to help you find the best caregiver in South Africa to have on your side when your batteries need recharging, it’ll improve the quality of life for you, your family and your parent no end!