The patient/caregiver was educated on managing the general overall health for Alzheimer’s patients as follows:
- Caregivers must observe compliance with periodical vision checks for their loved one and change the glasses accordingly. Individuals can often put the glasses down and forget where they are. Not finding them back can be extremely frustrating for the Alzheimer’s patient. Caregivers can use a glasses chain for the Alzheimer’s individual, which helps to keep the glasses around the neck and reduces the risk of misplacing or forgetting them.
- Caregivers must observe compliance with periodical hearing check for their loved one. If a hearing aid is recommended, caregivers must make sure it is provided for the individual. Occasionally the aid could be misplaced and not be worn by the patient. This can be frustrating for the individual, trying to listen without the aid in place. Caregivers must make sure that the individual wears the prescribed aid always. Caregivers must remember to change the batteries in the device periodically. Also, caregivers should check for the settings on the device, as they could be changed by the Alzheimer’s patients, accidentally and out of their knowledge.
- Caregivers must encourage the Alzheimer’s patients to limit or avoid drinking alcoholic beverages. Alcohol intake can add more dizziness and confusion to the Alzheimer’s patient, which can steeply increase their risk for falls & accidents.
- Poor sleep patterns in senior citizens can lead to severe restlessness, exhaustion, and fatigue. Individuals can present with disturbed mood, dizziness, daytime sedation, and episodes of intense confusion. Individuals with coexisting Alzheimer’s comparatively can be at increased risk for these outcomes. Caregivers must employ measures to promote the sleep, by providing reminders regarding sleep time, displaying consistency regarding the sleep time and not altering it frequently for any reason. Avoiding all possible stimuli, such as, television, visitors, and phones at least 2 hours before the scheduled sleep time and listening to soothing & relaxing music after dinner, can set the pace for falling asleep. Taking small daytime naps can help better management of stress and fatigue in seniors. Caregivers must try their best to encourage the individual for the same.
