Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s at Home

Dementia is a distressing condition for both the sufferer and their family and friends. When it comes to caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s at home, it’s important to get the right level of support. Not only will this reduce any stress on a loved one living with this disease, but it will also ease the pressure on family carers. As September is World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, we’ve shared some insights to help families learn more about this condition.

Are Alzheimer’s and Dementia the same condition?

Alzheimer’s disease is a specific physical illness that causes dementia. The word “dementia” is a general term used when someone shows a decline in their mental ability. As the most common disease that falls under this umbrella term, Alzheimer’s is different to other forms of dementia. This complex disease usually starts in the area of the brain responsible for memory, when amyloid and tau proteins build up and affect brain cells.

What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease affects people’s memory, thinking and reasoning abilities. It also affects language and causes changes in mood, as well as both visual and audio perception. Over time, people’s memory usually worsens, and they may become anxious and confused.

Early symptoms can be mild with people still able to do everyday tasks. Sufferers might forget familiar travel routes and as the condition worsens, they may no longer remember family members. They might find certain noises uncomfortable or become easily annoyed and lose interest in hobbies or activities they previously enjoyed. One common example of a later-stage symptom is when people think they are living in a different time in their lives.

What is the average age of onset of dementia?

Although dementia usually affects people in their later years, there are a minority of people who develop symptoms before they are 65. Known as “early-onset dementia”, there have been cases where people as young as 30 have received this diagnosis.

How to care for someone with Alzheimer’s

It can be very distressing to see a loved one suffer with Alzheimer’s, and you must always respect their pride and dignity. It’s important to stay patient with loved one’s behaviour because they cannot help their actions. By getting stressed, they will reflect your emotions and also become stressed. Always keep calm and repeat any information they need to know clearly. Write down any details they need to know and leave in an obvious place.

It can be useful to add labels to cupboards and common items to help a partner or family member with Alzheimer’s navigate their home. As the condition progresses, they will need help with everyday tasks such as personal hygiene, getting dressed, and meal preparation.

Home care for dementia provides essential and flexible support, helping to reduce pressure on those caring for a loved one at home. In the later stages, you could consider live-in care with a dedicated care assistant providing 24/7 support within the home.

“We have been using Caremark for a couple of years and are more than happy with the service they provide for our elderly parents. Mum and Dad both have advanced dementia and the care they both receive is kind, respectful and sensitive to their individual needs. The carers visit every weekday for 4 hours which allows my sister and myself peace of mind whilst we are at work, with the knowledge that Mum and Dad are safe and being well looked after. Caremark have also been very flexible if we have ever needed to change any of the times or days when care is needed, even at short notice. I can’t recommend them enough.”

Matthew R (Son of Client)

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care – Caremark Warwick

Caremark Warwick’s dementia care programme supports people’s independence and helps to maintain their cognitive function. Our trained Care Assistants can provide personalised care and stimulating activities to keep your loved one active and engaged. Read our case study on how we supported a Warwickshire family living with a dementia diagnosis…

Get in touch to find out more about our Alzheimer’s and dementia care services in Warwick.