One of the primary symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease is a loss of memory, especially an inability to remember recent events. Alzheimer’s disease occurs in the brain, leaving deposits of specific proteins that cause the brain to shrink and brain cells to die off. It’s a progressive disease that starts as a manageable annoyance and then progresses to an inability to live independently without the help of Alzheimer’s home care providers and family support.
Alzheimer’s Progression Rate
For anyone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the progression rate is unknown, but most can live years somewhat independently until they need full 24-hour care. If your loved one is recently diagnosed and is in the early stages of the disease, she might just need a little assistance around the home to let her continue living independently for as long as possible. Alzheimer’s home care can help.
Memory Aids for Alzheimer’s Patients
Eventually, the loss of memory will make daily unassisted living impossible, but in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s disease, the early signs are an inability to remember current events, such as conversations, appointments, and daily tasks. Performing certain chores, such as cooking directly from a recipe or remembering to take daily medications, becomes more difficult and more prone to error, resulting in frustration for your loved one.
Using simple tools around the home to provide reminders, and offer guidance is a wonderful way to help your loved one navigate her day safely. If she lives alone, having an Alzheimer’s home care provider visit regularly to help her set up reminders can be an affirming way to set her up for daily success.
Six Simple Memory Aids Alzheimer’s Home Care Providers Can Assist With
Calendar
Whether it’s digital or hanging on the wall, having a calendar with all of the important celebratory events, appointments, and even home tasks can help your loved one see what needs to be done each day. If using a paper calendar on the wall, make sure to have someone like an Alzheimer’s home care provider cross off each day after it’s over so your loved one can immediately know what day is today.
Weekly Medication Dispenser
Each week, have your Alzheimer’s home care provider fill each cup with the correct doses of medication for your loved one.
Keep a Journal for Guests
If your loved one has guests but doesn’t remember who visited when or what they talked about, keep a journal for them to fill out. Your loved one can then review it with her Alzheimer’s home care providers when they visit to refresh the memories of recent visitors.
Color Code Food Storage Items
It can help your loved one to have all her food storage items color-coded and then clearly and plainly labeled with what they are. You can also include brief instructions if your loved one needs them. (For example, writing “add two tablespoons” on the coffee grounds so she remembers how much coffee to put in the coffee maker.)
Use Smart Devices
Items can be purchased that will automatically turn off a device or light when it’s forgotten and left on.
Set up Reminder Signs Around the Home.
A sign by the door that reminds your loved one to have her keys, wallet, and phone or a sign by the sink reminding her to wash her hands will reduce the stress of forgotten tasks.
With the assistance of Alzheimer’s home care providers, your loved one can remain independent in the early stages of the disease.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Home Care in Encinitas, CA, please contact the caring staff at La Jolla Nurses Homecare today. Call (858) 454-9339
La Jolla Nurses Homecare is a top provider of home care services in San Diego, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carmel Valley, Point Loma, Bankers Hill, Mission Hills, Kensington, Coronado, University City, Pacific Beach, and all of San Diego County.
Today we are the oldest and most experienced private duty agency in San Diego County.She saw a need for quality private duty home health care and she worked diligently to build an agency that filled that need.I am proud to say, her vision is carried on today with our dedicated staff.
I believe our tenure in the community speaks well for us.We have had the opportunity to be of service to countless interesting individuals, including local and worldwide celebrities.It is the people we care for that makes this a fascinating industry.Whether high profile or a more ordinary citizen, we are proud that thousands have entrusted us with their care or the care of their loved ones.Our Mission is to provide high quality, very secure and the most compassionate home health care.We believe that patients heal faster and are happiest when they can stay in their homes.”
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