Recomended Resources: Marketsquadron

Partners: Home and Family

In the early stage of Alzheimer’s, what is the best environment?
by William Hammond, J.D.
In the first stage of Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss is not as pronounced as in the later stages of the disease. People still remember places they live in and familiar faces.

They are still lucid and involved in their own decisions. If your loved one lives alone, you may wonder if he lives in a safe environment. If you believe the environment may not be safe, you can hire a geriatric care manager to assess the situation, and if necessary (and if your finances support it), in-home care to come and visit your loved one on a daily basis. Those people will be able to report back to you and you will be more relaxed knowing your loved one is getting good care. If a geriatric care manager is not appropriate, and your loved one is not living with you, you may have to move your loved one closer to you. You can discuss the situation with him. If he were to live with you, would he need constant supervision or would he be safe alone while you are gone? If you feel more comfortable with supervision and you feel it is needed, you can call social services or check the Alzheimer’s Association for help in locating an in-home aide. They may have a list of people that are qualified to help with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. If your loved one should live with you, you will have to make it a safe environment. Make sure you have no clutter on the floor, pick up any magazines, potted flowers, and make space between furniture so he can go around without any problems. Your home will have to be as safe as possible. If your loved one lives with you, he may at first feel disoriented. This is part of Alzheimer’s disease. While most people can easily distinguish among many different noises, colors, or patterns in a room, your loved one with Alzheimer's may feel confused or overwhelmed.

Because of this, you need to create a calm environment that will be familiar, quiet and comfortable. In reorganizing your home to make it a safe environment you will have to focus on consistency. Keep furniture in the same place; just move them apart a little bit. Help your loved one maintain a connection with the past and familiar faces. Familiar objects such as framed photographs, or a piece of clothing that he likes, will make it easier on him. Use contrast. A person with Alzheimer’s may not be able to distinguish between an off-white door and a beige wall. Make sure you pay attention to flooring and keep it simple. Use flooring that cuts down on glare. If it is too shiny the person with Alzheimer’s may think it is wet. You can use carpet to avoid slipping. Maintaining a safe, secure environment is best for everybody. Not only will it make your loved one physically safe, but it will also give you peace of mind.
About the Author William G. Hammond, JD
is a nationally known elder law attorney and founder of The Alzheimer’s Resource Center.
He is a frequent guest on radio and television and has developed innovative solutions to guide families who have a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s. For more information you can visit his website at
www.BeatAlzheimers.com

Alzheimer’s patients and verbal abuse: how to deal with it
by William Hammond, J.D.
Abuse of any kind is difficult to deal with. Types of verbal abuse can include the following: ·Does your loved one ignore your feelings? ·Is he disrespectful? ·Does he withhold approval, appreciation or affection? ·Does he walk away without answering you? ·Does he criticize you, call you names or yell at you? ·Does he humiliate you in public or in the privacy of your home? ·Does he tell you that you are too sensitive? ·Does he destroy furniture or punch holes in the walls? These are some of the signs, but there are many more that may be observed. Abuse is difficult to deal with if the abuser has Alzheimer’s disease since the abuser can’t really control it. If a person with Alzheimer’s becomes verbally abusive, it may be because he is suffering from depression or aggressive behavior caused by the disease. In this case you might want to involve your doctor and let him know the situation. He may be able to prescribe an anti-depressive medication or simply change the current medication. You may want to take a break from your loved one, as sometimes caring all the time for the same person can be exhausting. Or you can try to place your loved one in an adult day care, or hire some professional help. Make sure that substitute caregivers are knowledgeable about Alzheimer’s disease and know how to handle patients with dementia. One way to deal with the situation before it becomes a big problem is to try humor. You cannot control how your loved one is acting but you can decrease the feelings of frustration by controlling how you respond. Try to validate your loved one’s feelings; it will definitely help him. Many times, people with Alzheimer’s are so frustrated that they act it out through verbal abuse and aggression. Put yourself in his place. It is very frustrating! The most important thing you have to remember is not to talk “down” to your loved one because he is still a person with an entire life history of success and independence. If you see that what you are trying to do or say to him is not working, just let it go for a while, step out of the room and come back later. Let your loved one calm down and relax. You may want to try music. Studies have shown that Alzheimer’s patients often find music relaxing. Finally, if you still feel overwhelmed, join a support group that specifically deals with verbal abuse and learn how to cope with it. Many times other people in the group will have experienced the same ordeal with their loved ones. Group members may be able to counsel you on how they coped or dealt with this kind of behavior. This group will also help you to deal with your emotions and frustrations. They will tell you how to control them, and once you are able to deal with your own feelings, then you will be more effective coping with your loved one’s behavior.
About the Author William G. Hammond, JD
is a nationally known elder law attorney and founder of The Alzheimer’s Resource Center. He is a frequent guest on radio and television and has developed innovative solutions to guide families who have a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s. For more information you can visit his website at
www.BeatAlzheimers.com

As the primary care giver for an Alzheimer’s patient, how can I get a break?
by William Hammond, J.D.
Taking care of a loved one who has Alzheimer’s is a huge responsibility and very time consuming. It can bring a lot of stress, frustration and more. You devote all your time to your loved one and not have time for yourself anymore. You always wonder: when can I take a break from her? It is not an easy decision, but sometimes it has to be made for your own well being. There are different options to consider. If your loved one is in early/mid stages of Alzheimer’s you can consider private duty home care. Many agencies throughout the nation and in your community provide this service. A list of providers can be obtained in the phone book, from the local Alzheimer’s Association, Area Agency on Aging, or any case management and referral source. The private duty home care can include services like bathing, sitting, taking to appointments, shopping, meal preparation and other day-to-day essentials. This assistance will definitely help you in getting more free time. You might also try adult day care. The centers usually operate from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. It is a good environment for socialization. Your loved one will be able to interact with others, but she knows she will be back home for the night. If you decide to look for an adult day care, you will want to make sure the staff is experienced in caring for Alzheimer’s patients. Another solution is hiring an independent in-home care giver yourself. This person will take care of your loved one while you are away. You may be able to obtain names and information about experienced caregivers from places such as your church, Alzheimer’s Association, Area Agency on Aging. Make sure you check the references. Meet and talk with the prospective caregiver and see how the person interacts with your loved one. Touching is very important. It could be a pat on the back or gently rubbing the hand. You can even ask your loved one for input about the person. People with dementia are often perceptive and intuitive. And don’t forget! You have family members as well that can help you. A loved one who has Alzheimer’s affects all family members. So if family members offer to help, take advantage of it. Remember, help is available. Do not feel guilty because you want to take a break. You deserve it.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 70 71 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 75 | 76 | 77 | 78 | 79 | 80 81 | 82 | 83 | 84 | 85 | 86 | 87 | 88 | 89 | 90 91 | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 100