Consistent Daily Schedule for Alzheimers

When the schedule of the Alzheimer's disease sufferer's day is dependable and the approaches of all the caregivers are consistent, it gives the disease sufferer a sense of security. The world that their disease has turned upside down suddenly is less frightening and more dependable.

The schedule developed should be according to the dementia sufferer's personality and past activities. For example, if the person took a bath every morning for 50 years, we should try to continue the pattern. If the person worked shift work the majority of his life, we should not expect him to be able to sleep well during the night. His body clock has already been set by his past experiences.

Allow only short naps. If the demenita sufferers do not have activities to keep them occupied during the day, they may sleep away the day and be more wakeful at night. They may also become more restless and agitated, without something purposeful to do.

Meals should be on a schedule as well. Snacks throughout the day can also help. If the person is well fed and rested, their behavior is more easily handled. Food should be offered in a manageable way.

Alzheimer's sufferers will not initiate the request for fluids even though they may be very thirsty. They may not initiate feeding themselves either.

We also must allow the person to do whatever they can for themselves. It gives them a sense of accomplishment and maintains their dignity and purpose.

Finally, help with care giving is a critical key to success with Alzheimer's disease. We are not all prepared to take on the role of caring for our loved ones. There is no shame in that. We all have limitations and should be honest about our ability to take on the role of care giver. If you find that you cannot do it the way you wish it to be done, there are professionals who can help. Be sure to look for a person who has at least two years of in home healthcare experience taking care of a person with Alzheimer's Disease. This is a very important distinction because in two years, she would have experienced a great deal in caring for the person with the disease. And you definitely want someone with in home experience because she is used to problem solving and not having the crutch of a staff down the hall to help her.

In home healthcare provides respite and help for the family as well. And it keeps the person their own, familiar environment.

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