Coping with Chronic Health Conditions: Tips

4 Alzheimer's Disease Behaviors An Alzheimer Care Center Might Deal With Better Than You Can At Home

13 August 2021 by Freddie Cox

If you have a parent suffering from Alzheimer's disease and it's no longer safe for you to care for them at home, consider finding an Alzheimer care center rather than a traditional nursing home. An Alzheimer care center takes steps to keep your parent healthy and safe no matter what stage of Alzheimer's they are in. Here are some behaviors they are equipped to deal with.

1. Wandering That Leads To Getting Lost

When your parent has Alzheimer's, they are at risk of getting lost easily. That combined with a compulsion to wander or walk continuously is dangerous if your parent is in an open facility that makes it easy for them to get outside. An Alzheimer's care center keeps your parent safely in the building while still allowing them to walk as much as they want.

Your parent might be put in a wing with one-way doors that can't be opened from the inside with a handle or by pushing. Whatever system is in place is designed with safety in mind so doors will open by pushing a button or plate so the wing can be evacuated quickly when necessary.

2. Sundowning That Causes Confusion At Night

Your parent may be docile during the day or even sleep a lot. Once evening begins, that could all change if they struggle with sundowning syndrome. Alzheimer's patients with this condition become agitated and more confused when it gets dark outside. Your parent may stay awake all night, and that could lead to them getting into dangerous situations if they don't have constant supervision and companionship at night.

Plus, a care facility can work with your parent's doctor to adjust medications so they aren't aggressive and combative when having episodes of sundowning syndrome.

3. Swallowing Problems That Lead To Choking

Keeping a parent with Alzheimer's disease well-nourished can be challenging. Your parent may have no appetite, or they may eat but have trouble swallowing and choke frequently. Your parent might need the services of a therapist for swallowing training, and they may need to be fed by someone trained to reduce the risk of choking so your parent gets enough nutrition and calories to stay healthy.

4. Loneliness That Speeds Cognitive Decline

Mental stimulation is important for someone with Alzheimer's disease. An Alzheimer care center may have games, music, and other activities that match your parent's abilities so their mind is stimulated throughout the day. Interaction with staff and other patients is important too so your parent can stave off loneliness that might make their condition worse.

Share

Search