I'm the care giver of a 90yr old altimeter's grandparent. Is there anyone out there that can give guidance?

Question

She is too weak to do anything for herself. So she is either in the bed or a wheelchair. My social life is shot. But i really dont care cause she took care of me and my sisters for all of our lives. But it would be nice to know people goin through the same thing

Answer 1

Okay I work in a nursing home where we have a alzheimers unit!
About how long has she had Alzheimers! The Alzheimers disease is classified into 3 stages! In stage 3 the family usually finds it hard to care for their family member and sends them to a skilled nursing facilty so they can have the 24 hour care that is best for them!

I would say since you have been taking care of her, you know her best, so how would you say her condition is??
~Even though you probably don't need these tips: heres a few!
*Speak Clearly and Slowly.
Use simple questions (like instead of asking what do u want to wear today, ask do u want to wear this shirt and these pants.)
*Be calm and reassuring. ( Instead of saying I just told you that you had breakfast, say your lunch will be ready soon.)
*Avoid arguing about reality.
Instead of saying you cant tell her mother shes dead, try saying I am sure she is busy now, lets tell her later!
*Do NOT respond to their anger, fear, or accusations by getting upset yourself.
Do not interrupt them if at all possible, allow them to express their feelings!
*Be aware of their body language
*Approach them from the front so they can see and hear you.
*Be patient, you will have to repeat things!
*Use praise and compliments often.

Okay so I don't if any of this helped you but I wanted to share with you what I learned in the Alzheimers inservice I went to recently! If you have any questions just ask, if I don't know I will ask someone who does! Have a great day!

Answer 2

First let me say this I think it is great that you and other family members are lovingly and willingly takeing care of your grandparent. Old timers is just forgetfulness and just needing some with them all the time. If it is Alzheimer's that your grandparent has and they are is up and walking around just make sure that your grandparent has identification on her at all times...Make sure that they have a bracelet saying what medical conditions and allergies that they may have. Be careful because they can be very abusive towards people like hitting and cussing. They could walk off or roll off in a wheel chair from where they are at. Any body that has dealt with this condition in their family knows that it can be very painful to watch someone you love go through the changes. If you are someone who doesn't have patience it would be best to put them in a facility that care for patients who have this or have a certified nursing assistant that has dealt with people that have this disease there to help with things like baths. Look into home health agencies for this. Also there may be some respite so that you and other family members can have a break from the 24 hour vigliance that you may have to do. Just check out this site and I think it will answer all your questions.

Answer 3

Yes, find a support group. Caregivers tend to develop a lot of medical problems due to the stress.

Talk to grandparent's doctor, see if they can get a nurse or an aide to come in a few days or afternoons a week so that you have time to decompress, you need time to get away or do shopping or other errands, or maybe even sometimes to take a nap.

Take care of yourself. This will definitely try your patience.

Good Luck, I hope this helped.

Answer 4

I cared for my grandfather who had alzheimers. They dont foget everything and it is important for you to find out what your grandparent can remember.............what period of time. My grandpa seemed to remember the very young years, forgot the middle, and then the present was hard also.
It was very frustrating for him, when he didn't remember so we talked about things that he did remember.
Also, doctors told us to make photo albums of family homes, friends, etc. Look through them with the grandparent and remind him/her of names as telling stories about them.
Research has proven that you need to keep an alzheimer's mind busy so that the disease dow not worsen. The way to keep it busy is to change routine so that it stays active. Do things differently every day. Change the routine. If she usually eats in bed, sit her up in a chair. If she usually listens to the tv, turn on the radio, or read a book to her. There are great wheel chair exercises that can be done, play bingo, cards, etc.Even change of diet is supposed to help.

Answer 5

I took care of my mom for several years. The most important thing I learned (because I wasn't doing it) is make sure you have a support group and you make time for yourself. Look for adult protective services in your area and call them and ask them for advice and resources. Also, I'm positive Yahoo groups has at least a dozen groups dedicated to caregivers of Alzheimer's patients. Good luck and take care of yourself as much as you're caring for your grandparent;)

Answer 6

Heres a link that i hope will answer some of your questions. I had to care for my grandfather who had a brain tumor it was hard. Good luck to you. Oh and a personal tip I found that keeping alittle note book handy to take down changes helps when trying to remember things to tell there doctor.

Answer 7

Oh hunny,You are a great person.I believe that family should take care of family.As for advise,I really don't have anything much.I have not been your shoes.The biggest thing is to watch them closely.I've heard of different ones starting fires and such.I wish you the best.♥

Answer 8

As a person who is a caregiver for a living, just be patient & continue loving them for who they are. The disease is a terrible thing. I feel for you. Just continue on & make sure your grandparent is as safe as humanly possible.

Answer 9

Go and take a look at some yahoo groups. I am sure there are some you could join, and help you with some of your questions..Good Luck..

Answer 10

http://www.agingcarefl.org/caregiver