Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s may require some different actions on the part of the primary caregiver. It’s sometimes difficult to predict how your loved one will react in certain situations or environments, so it’s sometimes ideal to avoid situations where they could potentially become agitated. The more you assess their behavior, the better the understanding you’ll have of what triggers them. Here are some common reasons why seniors with Alzheimer’s may get agitated.
Actions Outside Of Their Normal Routine
Understanding day-to-day life is difficult enough for a senior with Alzheimer’s. So when their daily routine gets broken, it can leave them anxious and possibly even angry about it. Always tell your loved one exactly what will happen before it occurs, so they know what to expect. Depending on the severity of their memory loss, you may have to repeat yourself multiple times in hopes that they retain it and won’t see any actions outside of their normal routine as a surprise.
Changing Caregivers
A change in a primary caregiver can be devastating for a senior with Alzheimer’s. It takes a long time with strict routines for a senior to trust their caregiver, so a new person taking care of them may not be received well. If a new person will be helping provide senior care, introduce them gradually so they can slowly become familiar with them being around. This can keep them calm and more comfortable as you make the transition.
Perceiving Something As Being A Threat
Seniors with Alzheimer’s sometimes perceive things as being threats, even when they don’t offer any immediate danger. This could be anything from loud music, a dog barking, something on the television, or anything else. While you may know their perceived threat isn’t really a threat, it’s important not to invalidate what they are feeling. Instead, try calming them down by telling them everything will be fine, ask what you can do to help them, or give them other distractions to calm them down.
Being Fearful Or Fatigued
When providing senior care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, it’s sometimes impossible to understand exactly what they are thinking. They could continuously be fearful of things, which leads to fatigue. Generally, healthy people can act differently when fatigued, and the actions of a person with Alzheimer’s may be more drastic. Try creating the most calming environment in the home with minimal distractions to decrease the chances of them being fearful and agitated.
Next Day Access respects everyone caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Removing any mobility barriers can help remove specific concerns you have when providing senior care, and it’s one less thing you have to worry about. If you or your loved one could benefit from a mobility aid or device to make life easier, contact us today to schedule a free home assessment.
