Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is one of life’s toughest roles, often without formal training. You rely on instinct and advice, but the disease’s unpredictability can throw you off balance. Luckily, small adjustments can help bring calm and connection to your daily routine and ensure you provide the compassionate Alzheimer’s care your loved one deserves.
Start by steering clear of these six common pitfalls:
1. Arguing With Reality
It’s easy to try to convince someone with Alzheimer’s that what they believe isn’t true. But the disease affects how memories and facts are processed, so arguing usually causes distress.
Try this: Accept their reality and respond to the emotions behind it. For example, if they worry about missing a train, focus on what that journey means instead of the actual timetable.
2. Constantly Correcting Mistakes
Correcting misstatements like the wrong day or names can come off as harsh and diminish trust.
Try this: Let go of small inaccuracies that don’t affect safety. Valuing emotional peace over correctness builds rapport.
3. Giving Too Many Instructions at Once
Instructions like “Get dressed, brush your teeth, and eat breakfast” can overwhelm when given all at once.
Try this: Give simple, step-by-step directions with calm pacing to help reduce confusion.
4. Taking Emotional Outbursts Personally
Your loved one may show anger, suspicion, or distance. This can feel personal but is really the disease’s effect on the brain.
Try this: Understand these behaviors as symptoms, not rejection. Your ongoing care and presence matter deeply.
5. Excluding Them From Conversation
It may seem easier to talk about decisions for them, but they can still sense respect and inclusion.
Try this: Engage them directly with gentle questions and maintain eye contact, even if speech is limited.
6. Overlooking Your Own Needs
Caregiving is exhausting, and neglecting your health leads to burnout.
Try this: Recognize when you need a break and don’t hesitate to seek help from professionals, friends, or family.
No One Gets It Perfect
Alzheimer’s care is unpredictable. Some days are easier, others harder. What counts is patience, kindness, and presence—for your loved one and yourself.
We’re Here to Support You
At Superior Senior Home Care, we provide expert dementia care that supports both clients and caregivers, serving families in Santa Maria, Nipomo, Santa Ynez, and throughout San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.
Contact us at 805-737-4357 for compassionate help tailored to your needs.