Editor’s note: the following is an excerpt from the National Institutes of Health’s “Caregiver’s Guide.” NIH Publication No. 01-4013

Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at home is a difficult task and can become overwhelming at times. Each day brings new challenges as the caregiver copes with changing levels of ability and new patterns of behavior. One of the biggest struggles caregivers face is dealing with the difficult behaviors of the person they are caring for. Many caregivers have found it helpful to use strategies for dealing with difficult behaviors and stressful situations. The following are some suggestions to consider when faced with difficult aspects of dealing with the diagnosis of AD, communication, and visiting the doctor.

Dealing with the Diagnosis

Finding out that a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease can be stressful, frightening, and overwhelming. As you begin to take stock of the situation, here are some tips that may help:

• Ask the doctor any questions you have about AD. Find out what treatments might work best to alleviate symptoms or address behavior problems.

• Contact organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center for more information about the disease, treatment options, and caregiving resources. Some community groups may offer classes to teach caregiving, problem-solving, and management skills.

• Find a support group where you can share your feelings and concerns. Members of support groups often have helpful ideas or know of useful resources based on their own experiences. Online support groups make it possible for caregivers to receive support without having to leave home.

• Study your day to see if you can develop a routine that makes things go more smoothly. If there are times of day when the person with AD is less confused or more cooperative, plan your routine to make the most of those moments. Keep in mind that the way the person functions may change from day to day, so try to be flexible and adapt your routine as needed.

• Consider using adult day care or respite services to ease the day-to-day demands of caregiving. These services allow you to have a break while knowing that the person with AD is being well cared for.

• Begin to plan for the future. This may include getting financial and legal documents in order, investigating long-term care options, and determining what services are covered by health insurance and Medicare.

Communication

Trying to communicate with a person who has AD can be a challenge. Both understanding and being understood may be difficult.

• Choose simple words and short sentences and use a gentle, calm tone of voice.

• Avoid talking to the person with AD like a baby or talking about the person as if he or she weren’t there.

• Minimize distractions and noise--such as the television or radio--to help the person focus on what you are saying.

• Call the person by name, making sure you have his or her attention before speaking.

• Allow enough time for a response. Be careful not to interrupt.

• If the person with AD is struggling to find a word or communicate a thought, gently try to provide the word he or she is looking for.

• Try to frame questions and instructions in a positive way.

Visiting the Doctor

It is important that the person with AD receive regular medical care. Advance planning can help the trip to the doctor’s office go more smoothly.

• Try to schedule the appointment for the person’s best time of day. Also, ask the office staff what time of day the office is least crowded.

• Let the office staff know in advance that this person is confused. If there is something they might be able to do to make the visit go more smoothly, ask.

• Don’t tell the person about the appointment until the day of the visit or even shortly before it is time to go. Be positive and matter-of-fact.

• Bring along something for the person to eat and drink and any activity that he or she may enjoy.

• Have a friend or another family member go with you on the trip, so that one of you can be with the person while the other speaks with the doctor.