Caring For A Parent With Alzheimer's Disease
Posted on: 14 March 2017
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Taking care of a parent who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease can keep you busy, depending on the stage of progression. The best way to get more rest throughout each day is to set a schedule for helping your parent with daily tasks. There are also things that you can do to make the house safer, as it can prevent accidents when you least expect them to happen. Sometimes getting assistance from a professional is a great option as well. Take a look at this article for a few tips in regards to how you can take care of your parent with less work involved.
1. Take the Steps to Safeguard the House
You must keep in mind that someone with Alzheimer's can accidentally harm themselves when a house isn't safe. For instance, if you keep medication in an area that is easy for your parent to access, he or she might take some without being aware of what is being taken. You can purchase a safe for storing potentially dangerous things such as medication, handguns, and anything else that might be unsafe. Household cleaning products that are toxic should also be safeguarded, such as by installing locks on cabinets.
2. Set a Schedule That Allows You Free Time
If you are assisting your parent all throughout each day, it likely leaves you no private time for yourself. You can actually make more time for yourself by putting a schedule in place for daily tasks. For instance, cook meals at a specific time each day, or even prepare meals in advance that can last for days. You should also schedule specific times for your parent to bathe and get dressed each day. Scheduling days for leisure activities is another thing that you should consider, such as for taking your parent to the movies and shopping.
3. Hire a Home Health Care Nurse to Assist
If you want to spend some time away from your parent every now and then without worry about his or her safety, hiring a home health nurse is a good idea. You can hire the nurse on a part-time basis being that you will also be providing care for your parent. The nurse can assist with numerous daily tasks, including bathing, cooking, cleaning, and monitoring your parent's health. The extent of assistance from the nurse will depend on what you pay for. He or she can also take your parent to medical appointments when you are not able to. Visit a site like http://www.inyourhomecares.com/ to learn more about home health care.