More than six million adults in the U.S. have Alzheimer’s disease. Family caregivers know how hard it is to care for a parent with Alzheimer’s. It’s tough emotionally and mentally. Have you thought of how to make your role as a family caregiver easier?
Automatic Pill Organizers
Organize your parent’s pills by the day or even AM vs. PM. When it’s time for your parent to take another medication, an alarm goes off to remind you. An organizer is a must-have if there are a lot of pills to manage each day. You can be busy in another room, but you’ll hear the organizer and know it’s time.
A Smart Speaker
A smart speaker is an essential tool for helping caregivers. Use these devices to create schedules and alarms. When it’s time to do something, such as give your mom another dose of antibiotics for a UTI, the speaker will remind you.
You can also use the smart speaker to keep track of upcoming appointments, help organize a shopping list, and allow you to quickly research something without having to turn on your computer. Smart speakers are also music players and can put on your parent’s favorite music during moments of agitation.
Child-Proof Stove Knob Covers
Your parent will reach a point where cooking a meal is unsafe. It can lead to burned foods that start kitchen fires. Place child-proof covers over stove knobs to prevent your parent from using the stove. You may also need to cut the electricity or gas to the stove.
Shower Seat
Your mom or dad won’t be able to stand for long as mobility decreases. Instead of risking a fall in the shower, add a shower seat with suction cups on the legs to keep the chair stable on the tub or shower floor.
Straws
As the disease progresses, it’s hard to hold a glass and tip it to drink. Invest in shatter-proof cups that have lids and straws. If the cup slips from your parent’s hand, it won’t shatter. The straw is easier to drink from.
Red Dinner Plates
A study found that placing foods on a bright plate, such as red, made it easier for people with dementia to see their foods. Those eating meals off a red plate ate more food than those eating off white dishes.
Home Care Services
Do not overlook the importance of home care services when taking care of a parent with dementia. Respite care allows you to take breaks when needed without leaving your parents alone. Talk to a home care expert to schedule services.
Sources:
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Littleton, CO, call the caring staff at SYNERGY Home Care of Denver today. 303-756-9322
