Dealing with Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Essential Care Tips from Bekta Healthcare

Alzheimer's and dementia are progressive neurological disorders that affect millions of families worldwide. These conditions not only challenge the cognitive abilities of the person affected but also profoundly impact family dynamics and caregiving responsibilities. We understand these challenges intimately at Bekta Healthcare, a leading home healthcare provider and staffing services in Ottawa, Canada. Our trained professionals are here to support families every step of the way.

Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. While Alzheimer's is a specific disease, dementia is an overall term — like heart disease — that covers a wide range of specific medical conditions, including Alzheimer's disease.

The symptoms of dementia can vary greatly, but at least two of the following core mental functions must be significantly impaired to be considered dementia: memory, communication and language, the ability to focus and pay attention, reasoning and judgment, and visual perception.

Effective Communication Tips

Communicating effectively with someone with dementia requires patience, understanding, and good listening skills. As the disease progresses, the ability to use language declines. To enhance communication:

• Use simple words and sentences. Speak clearly and slowly, using a gentle, calm voice.

• Avoid open-ended questions. Instead of asking, "What would you like to wear?" say, "Would you like to wear your white or blue shirt?"

• Focus on nonverbal cues. Body language and facial expressions can sometimes provide clues and help you better understand a person's feelings.

Creating a Safe and Comfortable Environment

Safety is paramount when caring for someone with dementia. Changes in the home can help prevent accidents and help the person remain independent and less frustrated:

• Remove fall hazards. Secure or remove rugs and ensure cords are tucked away safely to prevent trips and falls.

• Improve lighting. Ensure that your home is well-lit to help the person with dementia see clearly and reduce confusion.

• Safety-proof the kitchen and bathroom. Install locks on cabinets that contain anything potentially dangerous, such as medicine, alcohol, toxic cleaning substances, and utensils.

Health Management and Nutrition

Maintaining a healthy diet can significantly benefit individuals with dementia, potentially easing symptoms and improving quality of life. Here are some tips:

• Encourage regular, balanced meals. To support brain health, include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

• Stay hydrated. Ensure they drink enough water throughout the day, which helps keep the body and brain functioning well.

• Limit sugar and salt. High amounts of sugar and salt can exacerbate health issues in elderly patients.

Professional Caregiving and Support

At Bekta Healthcare, we provide professional caregiving services tailored to meet the needs of individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia. Our staff, including PSWs, RPNs, and RNs, are trained to handle the unique challenges presented by these conditions. We offer flexible schedules to accommodate the needs of families and ensure that your loved ones receive the best possible care.

Professional caregiving can significantly relieve families' stress, providing peace of mind and the assurance that their loved one is in good hands. For more information about our services, please contact us.

Dealing with Alzheimer's and dementia is challenging, but with the proper support and resources, individuals and families can manage these conditions effectively. At Bekta Healthcare, we are committed to providing compassionate, professional care to help ease the journey for those affected.

If you need assistance or have questions about our services, don't hesitate to reach out.