Taking Care of an Ill Loved One

Caring For Your Spouse Diagnosed With Alzheimer's Disease At Home

If your spouse has been diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer's disease, you will want to to keep life as normal as you can and help your spouse stay at home as long as possible. This can be done if you are prepared for your caregiver role. Here are five things that you must do if you are planning to be a caregiver spouse for your loved one with Alzheimer's disease.

1. Be There for Support

Your spouse might be confused or frustrated with their loss of memory, no matter what level of Alzheimer's may might be at. Establish a daily routine this can help them stay centered. Be there to talk with your spouse about their frustrations and dealing with the disease. Encourage them to make plans and be involved with daily activities.

2. Role of Personal Planner

Help your spouse stay organized and on top of day-to-day tasks. Help them keep appointments and give them reminders of upcoming events. Make sure that you are monitoring medication intake and keeping up-to-date on doctor's appointments.

3. Stay Educated on Alzheimer's Disease

Make sure that you understand the illness and everything that goes along with this. Attend appointments with your spouse, and make sure to read up on treatment, signs, and and stages of Alzheimer's. Knowing what to expect will prepare you to help your spouse the best that you can.

4. Take Care of Yourself

You will never be a good caretaker if you can't take care of yourself. Have family member help out with day-to-day tasks if you need a break. Finding a caregiver support group that focuses on Alzheimer's care is a great way to rejuvenate yourself as well.

5. Know Your Limitations

Eventually your spouse will be sick enough that they will need to be put in a home or have round-the-clock care for their Alzheimer's treatment. Knowing this day will come can be a hard fact, but it is something that you need to be prepared for. Don't put you or your spouse in any danger by prolonging the inevitable if you cannot provide the support or care that your spouse needs.

Early stage Alzheimer's is something that can last for years As a caregiver, you can make this frustrating disease a little easier for your spouse to have to go through. Empowering your spouse to have as much of a normal life as they can in the initial stages of Alzheimer's is a wonderful gift to give your spouse.

For more information, check out companies such as Bethesda Health Care Facility.


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