What to do if you are family caregiver for  a person Alzheimer’s?

If you are family caregiver of a person living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related illness, you need some coronavirus prevention tips.  First, what precautions should you take.  First of all, it is critical to  prevent the spread of disease.   The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is offering good medical advice on individual care to help safeguard against the risk of infection.

For starters, the family caregiver should make certain to not spread unnecessary worry about coronavirus to the person you care for. The #1 method for preventing illness is simply to avoid being exposed to the virus.  Thus, the Keep reading for good coronavirus prevention tips. needs to keep extra steps. As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The next best thing is to encourage everyday preventative measures to avoid the spread of respiratory disease.  Finally, many people suffering with Alzheimer’s may have a hyper-sensitivity to water.  Here are some good coronavirus prevention tips:

•  CDC recommends  washing hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.  Again, especially important after going to the bathroom.  Other examples,  before eating, and after blowing their nose, coughing well as sneezing.  However,  it is often difficult to get a person with a Alzheimer’s to comply. Family Caregivers have been able to get more cooperation for longer hand washing by singing two choruses of the song, “Happy Birthday.”

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  First, try using a very soothing tone to encourage washing.  Second, be aware that you may need to explain what to do step by step.  Many people with Alzheimer’s can’t sequence (i.e., they can’t anticipate what step is coming next.). To illustrate,  say, “First, let’s wet our hands under the water.” Next,  “Then we will use the soap dispenser to squeeze out some soap into your hands.” Then, “Rub your hands together with the soap. wash the backs …. Wash between your fingers…. Scrub under your nails.”  This coronavirus prevention tips is critical.

• First, Use your own hands to show your Loved One what needs to be done.
• Make sure the room temperature is comfortable is a top coronavirus prevention tips.
• If soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer  ( a min of 60 percent  alcohol based.
• Make supplies easy to access.  For example, tissues as well as hand sanitizers.
• Put sanitizers and disinfectant wipes for fast fixes around the home often .
• Clean and disinfect frequently objects and surfaces that get touched a lot.

Things the Family Caregivers needs to keep in mind

If adult day care and respite programs schedules are postponed due

The person you are caring for isn’t feeling well enough to attend

CDC recommendation is to stay home if you feel sick

Have some planned activities to help pass the time For example, puzzles and games as well as picture albums.  Other examples,  music,l movies or  small tasks (i.e. folding clothes or putting socks together).

Family Caregivers needs to make sure their person stays hydrated (drinking enough liquids)  Finally,  they may already have a weakened immune system, so be extra careful. This will mean that family caregivers needs to pay attention to their person’s need to use the bathroom more as well as an increased incontinence.

For the most “Up to Date” information,visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health.

 Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

 Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is a nonprofit organization whose’s goal is to provide support, services and education.  Going to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease.  They also provide funding for research.  In addition, funds for better treatment.  Finally, the goal is a cure.

National Toll-Free Helpline (866-232-8484) staffed by licensed social workers, the National Memory Screening Program, educational conferences and materials

Sponsored by MED-Q Medication Compliance System