Coping with agitation in Alzheimer’s can be very frustrating for seniors with dementia and their family members. One of the keys is taking steps to handle agitation before it’s felt and expressed by the senior loved one, which involves keeping an eye on what has triggered these feelings in the past and establishing a home environment where those triggers are eliminated or reduced. The following tips can help:
Designate a place of retreat. When life gets overwhelming, having a specially created area for your loved one to de-stress can work wonders in restoring peace. This could be a designated room or simply a cozy corner with several relaxing activities readily available, quiet music, and a calming scent to enjoy like lavender or vanilla – whatever produces peace and relaxation for the older adult.
Evaluate the home for upsetting objects. Take note of what your family member is easily agitated by, such as certain decorations, mirrors (which can give the illusion of somebody else watching), window coverings that may not adequately block out the darkening evening sky (prompting sundowning issues), etc.
Reduce noise and other distractions. Soft carpeting is frequently more soothing for those with dementia than harder floor materials that can reverberate or accentuate the noise of footsteps. Keep the TV or radio at a reduced volume and set it to a station that plays soft music rather than alarming, graphic news shows. Close windows if outside noises appear to result in annoyance.
Modify lighting. Each room the senior may enter is well lit, with natural light whenever possible, or higher wattage lightbulbs, very carefully adjusting to reduce any unusual shapes or shadows created by the light.
Keep commonly used items readily accessible. Whatever the older adult tends to want to use or hold frequently ought to be placed in a visible location where they can locate it quickly. Adhering to labels with words or pictures of what a senior loved one may want to find in cabinets, or the refrigerator is also an excellent way to help prevent irritation.
Let Atlanta Home Care Partners’ knowledge in Alzheimer’s care in Atlanta help preserve the most calming and peaceful environment for a senior you love and provide the skilled, innovative, compassionate care that makes life the best it can be. Some of the various ways we can improve life for individuals with dementia include:
Specially created activities centered on a senior’s specific interests and abilities
Companionship to help seniors stay socially engaged
Evening respite care allows family caregivers the chance for a restful night when a senior is challenged by sundowning
And much more
Contact us at 215.995.2012 to request an in-home consultation for caregiver help in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties.
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