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Alzheimer's Disease Patient Caregiver Guide (cont.)

Visiting a Person with Alzheimer's Disease

Visitors are important to people with Alzheimer's. They may not always remember who the visitors are, but the human connection has value. Here are some ideas to share with someone who is planning to visit a person with the disease.

  • Plan the visit for the time of day when the person with Alzheimer's is at his or her best.

  • Consider bringing along an activity, such as something familiar to read or photo albums to look at, but be prepared to skip it if necessary.

  • Be calm and quiet. Avoid using a loud tone of voice or talking to the person as if he or she were a child.

  • Respect the person's personal space and don't get too close.

  • Try to establish eye contact and call the person by name to get his or her attention.

  • Remind the person who you are if he or she doesn't seem to recognize you.

  • Don't argue if the person is confused. Respond to the feelings you hear being communicated, and distract the person to a different topic if necessary.

  • Remember not to take it personally if the person doesn't recognize you, is unkind, or responds angrily. He or she is reacting out of confusion.

Choosing a Nursing Home for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease

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For many caregivers, there comes a point when they are no longer able to take care of their loved one at home. Choosing a residential care facility—a group home, assisted living facility, or nursing home—is a big decision, and it can be hard to know where to start.

  • It's helpful to gather information about services and options before the need actually arises. This gives you time to explore fully all the possibilities before making a decision.

  • Determine what facilities are in your area. Doctors, friends and relatives, hospital social workers, and religious organizations may be able to help you identify specific facilities.

  • Make a list of questions you would like to ask the staff. Think about what is important to you, such as activity programs, transportation, or special units for people with Alzheimer's disease.

  • Contact the places that interest you and make an appointment to visit. Talk to the administration, nursing staff, and residents.

  • Observe the way the facility runs and how residents are treated. You may want to drop by again unannounced to see if your impressions are the same.

  • Find out what kinds of programs and services are offered for people with Alzheimer's and their families. Ask about staff training in dementia care, and check to see what the policy is about family participation in planning patient care.

  • Check on room availability, cost and method of payment, and participation in Medicare or Medicaid. You may want to place your name on a waiting list even if you are not ready to make an immediate decision about long-term care.

  • Once you have made a decision, be sure you understand the terms of the contract and financial agreement. You may want to have a lawyer review the documents with you before signing.

  • Moving is a big change for both the person with Alzheimer's disease and the caregiver. A social worker may be able to help you plan for and adjust to the move. It is important to have support during this difficult transition.

Patient Comments

Viewers share their comments

Alzheimer's Disease Patient Caregiver - Experience Question: Please describe your experience with an Alzheimer's disease patient.
Alzheimer's Disease Patient Caregiver Guide - Diagnosis Question: Has a friend or relative been diagnosed with Alzheimer's? Please share your story.
Alzheimer's Disease Patient Caregiver Guide - Communicating Question: Please share tips for communicating with a relative or friend who has Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer's Disease Patient Caregiver Guide - Eating Question: Getting an Alzheimer's patient to eat can be difficult. Please share tips for meal ideas and routines.
Alzheimer's Disease Patient Caregiver Guide - Activities Question: In what ways do you help your friend or loved one with Alzheimer's stay active and engaged?
Alzheimer's Disease Patient Caregiver Guide - Sleeping Question: Do you deal with a restless Alzheimer's patient? How do you make sure he/she gets sleep at night?
Alzheimer's Disease Patient Caregiver Guide - Wandering Question: Alzheimer's patients tend to wander. What steps have you taken to ensure his/her safety?
Alzheimer's Disease Patient Caregiver Guide - Nursing Homes Question: At some point an Alzheimer's patient will need assisted or residential care. How did you select one?
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