Alzheimer’s
is a devastating and heartbreaking illness. Don’t let the seriousness
of the situation envelope your life. It is almost impossible to care
for an Alzheimer’s patient when you feel sad and hopeless. It’s ok to
laugh sometimes.
Sometimes, my grandmother does some funny
things. She thinks my cat waves at her, and she waves back. In reality,
my cat is scratching at the glass door to be let in. Every time my
grandma waves at the cat, I laugh. I share the joke, and say “That cat
must like you, Grandma.” She laughs with me.
You have to look
on the bright side. Never make fun of your patient; however, when funny
happens, have a chuckle, and bring them in on the joke. Alzheimer’s
patients need to laugh. So do you.
Talk about the past
When
it comes down to it, most Alzheimer’s or dementia patients remember
their childhood better than they remember 5 minutes ago. So give in to
them, talk about the past. I have learned so much about my grandmother
that I never knew. She had a donkey named Kate, she played basketball
in high school, she was a flapper in the school play, and she was
valedictorian.
When my grandma is upset; repeating herself,
confused, I ask her questions. Did you ever win a basketball game? And
she tells me a whole story about a particular game. What kinds of
animals were on your farm? And she can tell you all about the animals,
and all of their names. She loves to remember good times, times when
she was healthier and happier. Doesn’t everyone? Distract them from the
confusion of present life, and learn a little of their history and your
own.
Being a caregiver is very difficult; at times you may feel
overwhelmed. The way to keep your mood up is to keep looking for ways
to help your patient. Try as many different activities as you can to
keep them busy, and you will benefit as well. Whatever you do, don’t
let your Alzheimer’s patient sit for most of the day. Try not to let
them turn inward. Involve them in cooking, cleaning, reading, simple
crafts. Talk to them.
There are so many people dealing with
this devastating disease. Remember that you are not alone. Use the
resources available to you to care for yourself as well as your loved
one.