Helping your Parent with the Agitation Associated with Alzheimer’s
Home Care in Mason OH: Helping your Parent with the Agitation Associated with Alzheimer’s
Your parent may become increasingly agitated as the changes in their brain take place. Most, but not all, people with this disease experience this behavior to some degree. It manifests in various behavioral changes and may include sleeplessness, irritability, physical or verbal aggression. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are certain situations that more commonly lead to agitation.
These include the following:
- A change in environment such as moving to a new location, travel, or hospitalization.
- A change in environment such as the people in their home including visitors, caregivers and care providers.
- The result of living and trying to cope in a world that is growing increasingly confusing.
Tips to Help your Parent Cope
- Create a home environment that promotes peace and reduces stress. This includes making your parent’s home a “no stress zone.” You can accomplish this by letting all visitors and family members know that they are to leave their troubles at the door. If they can’t, they will need to visit another time. Include soothing rituals and routine in your parent’s life. This is a tremendous help to a person whose world is changing daily. This includes scheduling activities at certain times of the day. This may include a sunset walk through the neighboring green space when they have a tendency to become agitated, a daily time in which to partake in a craft such as painting, or a relaxing bath filled with sea salts and the essential oil of lavender before bed.
- Avoid busy environments where there are a lot of people and reduce any background noise such as the TV or boisterous people.
- Reassure them when they become agitated that they are safe, and loved, and protected.
- A healthy diet is important. This includes a wealth of fruits and vegetables and little to no processed foods that are often high in sugar and hydrogenated oils. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake.
- If you have children, you know the art of distraction, which also works well for those suffering from dementia. Have one of their favorite games, snacks, activities or crafts on hand to divert them to when they begin to appear agitated.
- Try to be aware of any triggers and then eliminate them.
Home Care Provider
It takes energy, self-awareness and keen insight to care for a loved one with dementia. You owe it both to yourself and to those you care for to take time to rejuvenate. Home care providers understand what your parent is going through and have learned coping strategies to help support them in living the best possible life. At least a few days a week, let them care for your parent while you care for yourself.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Mason, OH, please contact the caring staff at Queen City Elder Care today. Serving Cincinnati and Surrounding Communities. Call Us Today (513) 510-4410.
Resources
Michele Vollmer is a visionary leader who is perpetually searching for ways to improve, so to remain at the leading edge of the home care industry.She has served in the healthcare industry since 1989, including pharmaceutical and home health sales, as well as hospice sales and sales management.
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