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Assisting
People Living With Alzheimer's Disease
As
more and more people are being affected by Alzheimer's disease, chances are you will know someone who is living
with the disease. They may be a relative, a neighbour,
a co-worker or a friend. Having the disease, or caring
for someone who does, can be challenging. Friends, neighbours
and extended family are important sources of support
for the family. Perhaps you want to help but don't know
where to begin. Reading this will give you some ideas
of how you can offer practical help and show that you care.
Visiting
the person with Alzheimer's disease
- Arrange
a convenient time for your visit
Choose a time that is best for the person. Shorten your
visit if the person shows signs of fatigue.
- Communication
is the key
Use gestures as well as words. Pace the conversation
allowing time for the person to respond.
- Introduce yourself
If the person seems confused, identify yourself and why
you are there. "It's Jane, I came to visit you today."
- Remember and laugh together
Recall humorous experiences you both shared. "I
remember when we both..." Take pleasure in each
moment.
- Be
prepared to listen
People with the disease may want to share their feelings.
Remain open and sympathetic.
- Establish
connection through a common interest
Continue your favourite activity together. Listen to
music. Take a walk. Concentrate on the person's talents
and abilities.
- Show
that you care
We all communicate through emotion, expression and touch.
Holding a hand, or smiling when talking can convey more
than words.
Caring
for the caregiver
- Take
time to listen
Let the person know you are available to listen when
they feel overwhelmed and need to talk with someone.
- Do
little things -- they mean a lot
If you're on your way out to do an errand, call and see
if the caregiver needs anything.
- Give
the caregiver a break
Offer to visit with the person with the disease. Encourage
the caregiver to spend time on a favourite hobby, run
some errands or spend time alone.
- Provide
a change of scenery
Suggest an outing to the park or a visit to your home.
Whenever possible, include the person with Alzheimer's disease in the outing. Choose an activity that everyone
will enjoy.
- Keep
in touch
Maintain contact -- a phone call, card, e-mail or a visit
means a great deal. The disease has an impact on all
family members - spouses, adult children and even young
children. Be attentive to their needs, too.
- Become
informed
Learn about Alzheimer's disease and how it affects the
person and the family. Contact your local
Alzheimer Society for more information.
- Stay
the course
It is a long journey for caregivers. Any support you
can provide along the way will likely be appreciated.
Important things to know:
People
with Alzheimer's disease
- need
to feel valued
- may
be concerned about how the disease will affect themselves
and their families
- need
companionship
- strive
to maintain an active and independent life
- have
the same needs as each and every one of us
- have
abilities, skills and aspirations
Caregivers
- often
feel alone and isolated from friends
- may
need assistance, but are often reluctant to ask
- are
often unable to do errands or complete household tasks
- experience
stress that sometimes affects their health
- need
regular breaks from caregiving
- need
someone to listen
Helping
the Alzheimer Society
There
are many things you can do to help the Alzheimer Society.
Consider making a donation to
support our work. Volunteer at your local
Society or support a local fundraising event.
[This
information is also available in a brochure from your local
Alzheimer Society or you can download
the brochure from this site.]
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