In many cases when someone is diagnosed with a serious disease those closest to them may decide to personally care for them at home. This may not always be possible, and there are certainly some fine institutions that exist to help in extreme situations, but for the most part it is understood that the kind of care that can be given by someone who loves the patient can be of a quality that adds to the dignity, comfort and overall feeling of security for the patient.

This is not an easy path to take and will require good communication amongst everyone involved. You will need planning, extra help, and an awareness of what is available to you in the way of community services.

In the case of individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s there are some basic approaches that can help ensure that the quality of their lives is preserved to the best extent possible. Alzheimer’s can progress at different rates. It may be that your loved one has many good days. If so, it is good to plan to make the most of these times by arranging to participate in activities that have always been of interest to them. Do they enjoy going for walks in the park? Going to Museums, or on a picnic? Some people find sitting near the water restful and rejuvenating. Others like to be where there is a little bit of socializing and action going on, like at a mall or a local fair. Or perhaps family visits and meals. By arranging an activity that has always been a source of pleasure it will help to keep your loved one involved and may help stimulate to some degree their mental abilities. At the very least it will contribute to their sense of self-esteem and dignity and thus contribute to their overall health.

With the progress of Alzheimer’s comes the increasing difficulty to express clearly one’s thoughts and desires. The caregiver will need to take a calm and patient approach while keeping their tone light. It has been suggested that using shorter sentences that perhaps contain one simple idea at a time will lessen the possibility of added confusion. Give thoughtful, kind eye contact and allow sufficient time for them to complete their thoughts.

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