Independence is one of the things that Alzheimer’s patients may worry most about losing. Finding ways to support and encourage independence preserves dignity for Alzheimer’s patients while also helping them to have better emotional wellness and stronger confidence. Balancing independence and safety is tricky as Alzheimer’s disease progresses, but Alzheimer’s home care providers can help families figure it all out.
Why Independence Matters for Seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease leads to a progressive decline in cognitive and physical abilities, so independence becomes more of an issue for Alzheimer’s patients. When seniors with Alzheimer’s disease maintain their independence, they feel better overall and their self-esteem remains high. Staying as independent as possible also helps seniors maintain cognitive health because it can stimulate memory and allows them to keep their problem-solving skills working.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Simplifying the senior’s living space is a great way to help them preserve their independence. Too much clutter and distractions amplify confusion for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. Labelling spaces like drawers and cupboards is one way to help seniors with Alzheimer’s have a supportive environment in which to live. They’re able to find things more easily, without feeling frustrated.
Focusing on Familiar Routines
Routines can be very comforting for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. It’s also easy for family caregivers to use visual or audible prompts to help them stay on target with their routines. Alzheimer’s home care providers can help families figure out what routines help seniors the most. Participating in mundane daily routines like folding laundry or setting the table can be soothing for seniors and also helps them to stay involved in what’s happening.
Breaking Tasks Down
Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease are much more likely to hold onto their independence and keep doing daily activities when those activities are broken down into smaller tasks. This can help a lot with comprehension, too. Offering clear instructions means that seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may not need a lot of guidance to work through the task.
Offering Choices
Choices are a huge part of maintaining independence for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease. So many seniors with this disease don’t have as much control over their lives as they used to have. Not being able to have a say in their own lives and their daily existence can be confusing and frustrating. It’s also easier to incorporate choice into daily life, even if seniors are in the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s home care providers can help families figure out how to accomplish that goal.
Encouraging Participation
None of this should be about perfection at all. When seniors with Alzheimer’s disease get the chance to participate, that helps them to hang onto independence. It also helps them to identify activities that they still do well and that they enjoy doing, which can help families figure out other ways to help them maintain their independence.
Promoting independence for Alzheimer’s patients is about more than just getting things done. Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease feel self-worth and experience a better quality of life when they’re able to do some things themselves. Alzheimer’s home care providers can be there to offer support along the way, helping seniors stay safe and get the assistance they need with more difficult tasks.
If you or an ageing loved one are considering Alzheimer’s home care in Onoway, please contact the caring staff at Serving Hands Senior Care today. Call (780) 963-1516
Premiere Home Health and Senior Home Care services in Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Devon, St. Albert, Edmonton, Onoway, Leduc, Parkland County and surrounding communities since 2016.
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