Alzheimer's Care | How to Support Someone Living with Alzheimer's

In honour of World Alzheimer’s Day, we’re exploring the impact of Alzheimer’s on both our residents and their loved ones, and how we can help. 

 

Our Alzheimer’s care is designed to provide tailored support and assistance, enabling those living with the disease to enjoy independent lifestyles within the realms of their capabilities.

 

Keep reading to learn more about the disease, and the support we offer across each of our ACI Care homes:

 

Understanding Alzheimer’s Care

Alzheimer’s can have an overwhelming impact on those affected.

 

Symptoms of Alzhheimer’s can include memory loss, disorientation, reduced comprehension and changes in personality.

 

As the condition progresses, it can become increasingly more difficult for those diagnosed to live independently, resulting in a reliance on family members, or the need to move into a care home.

 

At ACI, we offer specialist Alzheimer’s care to help alleviate the physical and emotional pressures on both our residents and their families, offering relief and reassurance for all involved.

 

 

The Effect of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease and, over time, those with a diagnosis will often experience increasing difficulty with daily activities.

 

They may be unable to perform ordinary tasks, such as taking care of their personal health and hygiene. To help them retain a sense of independence, it can be helpful to lay out their clothes to make dressing easier, and use pill organisers to ensure they’re taking their medication consistently and correctly.

 

Creating cues for the bathroom needs can also help to minimise accidents. This should be dealt with in a respectful and patient manner, offering assistance where needed.

 

At ACI Care, you can rest assured that we’re meeting your loved one’s every need, with hands-on, dignified and expert care.

 

 

Alzheimer’s Care: Maintaining a Structured Routine

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease frequently experience confusion and disorientation. By building a consistent daily routine, and ensuring they’re familiar with their surroundings, you can provide comfort and minimise distress.

 

For example, if your loved one is moving to a dementia care home, it can be helpful to take some familiar items such as bedding, photographs and ornaments, to help make it feel more like home.

 

A structured routine can also offer a sense of stability. This can include having set times for waking, eating, and going to bed.

 

This can help ensure those living Alzheimer’s are eating nutritious meals and building healthy lifestyle habits.

 

To create a strong routine, try reading a book or listening to soothing music before bed, to signal that it’s time to wind down. In the morning, you could use jolly music and brighter colours to show that it’s time to start the day.

 

This consistency can provide a sense of security and predictability, helping to improve overall wellbeing.

 

 

When to Seek Alzheimer’s Care

As a caregiver to a loved one living with dementia, it’s perfectly normal to experience a range of emotions as you navigate this disease. You may experience feelings of sadness, frustration, guilt, and even grief, as you witness the gradual changes in your family member.

 

This can impact your daily life, and is usually when it’s time to seek external support. Balancing your care responsibilities with your own personal commitments and wellbeing is important. So, why not seek Alzheimer’s care — either in their own home, or in a specialist dementia care home?

 

Alzheimer’s can affect different people in different ways, and there’s no single approach to suit all. It’s important to explore different options available, such as in-home care, assisted living communities and respite care. 

 

 

Our ACI Care Homes

At ACI Care, our specialist Alzheimer’s care is tailored to meet all the needs of our residents, and ensure they’re enjoying an active and social lifestyle.

 

We believe that support should focus on promoting the wellbeing of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and celebrating what they have rather than focusing on what they’ve lost.

 

That’s why we encourage our residents to engage in regular activities, each designed to promote cognitive stimulation and increase engagement. Our activities are customised to meet the needs of each individual in our care, and cater to varying abilities.

 

 

Support for Alzheimer’s

Recently, our residents, family members and staff from the Old Rectory Residential, took part in a sponsored walk to raise money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Society.

 

The Alzheimer’s Society works to improve the quality of life of those impacted by the condition. They focus on supporting vital research, providing essential services, and assisting those living with Alzheimer’s.

 

At ACI Care, we aim to create a safe, nurturing environment where residents with the condition can thrive. To find out more about the Alzheimer’s care and support we offer, please contact a member of our team.

 

Alternatively, why not take a look at our recent to discover the importance of comfort in care?