Tending to Your Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s
September 16, 2022
We all forget things sometimes. But failing to lock a door is one thing and completely forgetting the names of your children is another. That’s the difference between simple memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheiemer’s is a degenerative brain disorder and is also the most common type of dementia amongst the elderly. It’s a disease that affects not only memory but as well as thinking, decision-making, and behavior. It may interfere with daily tasks and worsen over time. Over 50 million people in the world suffer from it.
In 2020, a study on Alzheimer’s and Dementia shows that the number of patients with Alzheimer’s in the Philippines will continue to rise. The authors of the study recommended that the country needs better planning to manage the projected increase.
You may have a loved one with Alzheimer’s today, or you might know someone who does. We should do our part in caring for them the right way so we can give them a comfortable, safe environment to live in.
Be patient with them.
This should go without saying but this is your reminder to extend as much patience as you can towards your senile parent or grandparent. If you live with an elderly loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s, adjustments are necessary. You’ll need a switch-up in your daily routine to accommodate their needs and expect to extend help even during times when it’s not the most convenient for you.
Give them a stimulating activity to do.
It’s important to create meaningful activities for those who suffer with Alzheimer’s to improve their quality of life. You can consider certain interests that they’ve had in the past but do note that Alzheimer’s may affect senses and behavior. This means that a person may not enjoy activities they previously did in their younger years.
Here are some activities to try:
Work on puzzles
Tend the garden
Play music or sing songs
Organize household items
Do arts and crafts
Bake or cook simple dishes together
Clean interiors
Don’t force things on them.
When your senior loved one with Alzheimer’s resists an activity or a task, it’s okay to take a break. You can try again later or you can ask them gently if they want to change the activity they previously kept themselves busy with. The goal is to make their day-to-day routine enjoyable for them without imposing anything on them.
Have them attend regular check-ups.
Since those with the disease have difficulties keeping track of their personal matters, it’s best to stay on top of their medical needs for them. Know their doctor’s contact details, file their records, and calendarize any important dates so neither of you forget.
Get them protection.
People who suffer from Alzheimer’s have higher risks of getting into accidents that could lead to hospital confinements. This is why the best gift to give them is one that would benefit them when they need it the most.
At Paramount Direct, we have a health plan that cares about your elderly loved one as much as you care about them. Our Premium HealthCare Plus Plan is a healthcare insurance plan for individuals aged 50 to 74. It gives your senior loved ones financial assistance in case of hospital confinements due to any illness or injury. They can receive up to PHP4,000 daily cash assistance for regular or ICU confinements, up to PHP80,000 for long-term or more than thirty (30) day confinements, and up to PHP80,000 for surgical confinements.
To get your senior loved one a plan, click here:
Always remember that Alzheimer’s is just a disease. You and your loved one can always face the day knowing that tomorrow is taken care of.
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