Ways To Calm A Senior Parent With Alzheimer’s
If your mom or dad has Alzheimer’s and they are living at home, they should have Alzheimer’s care services at home. Alzheimer’s care at home is a specialized type of home care for seniors.
The caregivers who work with seniors who have Alzheimer’s have training and experience that helps them effectively help seniors who have Alzheimer’s.
Having Alzheimer’s care can also help you. If you need a break you can trust a care provider that has experience working with seniors who have Alzheimer’s to take care of your mom or dad. And they can help you understand how Alzheimer’s can change your mom or dad’s personality or behavior.
Some things that you can do to calm your mom or dad down if they are agitated, afraid, or aggressive are:
Alzheimer’s Care Union County NJ – Ways To Calm A Senior Parent With Alzheimer’s
Stay Calm and Speak Gently
When your senior parent is upset, it’s important to remain calm. Alzheimer’s can make it hard for them to understand what’s happening, and they may react with frustration or fear. If you show that you’re stressed or angry, it can make their anxiety worse.
Instead, speak in a gentle and soothing tone. Use simple, clear words and try to reassure them that everything is okay. Sometimes, a soft voice and a few calming words can go a long way in easing their worries.
Keep Their Environment The Same
Seniors with Alzheimer’s often feel confused when their surroundings are unfamiliar or overwhelming. To help your senior parent feel more at ease, try to keep their environment calm and familiar. Surround them with objects they recognize, such as family photos, favorite blankets, or familiar furniture.
A quiet, clutter-free space can also reduce anxiety. If possible, keep the lighting soft and avoid loud noises or too much activity. A peaceful setting can help your mom or dad feel more comfortable and less agitated.
Play Music or Nature Sounds
Playing soft, familiar music can help soothe your senior parent when they are feeling upset. If they have favorite songs or types of music they enjoy, use them to create a relaxing atmosphere.
You can also try gentle sounds, such as nature recordings of birds, rainfall, or ocean waves. These sounds can help distract your mom or dad from their anxiety and bring a sense of peace. Music and soothing sounds can trigger positive memories and emotions, which might help them feel more at ease.
Offer Physical Reassurance
Sometimes a simple touch can provide comfort. Holding your mom or dad’s hand, giving them a gentle hug, or sitting close to them can help calm their nerves.
However, it’s important to pay attention to their reactions. Some people with Alzheimer’s may not want to be touched when they are upset. If touch seems to help, it can be a powerful way to communicate that you’re there for them.
Distract and Redirect
When your mom or dad is feeling anxious or frustrated, it can help to gently distract them with something they enjoy or redirect their attention to something else.
Redirecting their attention to a calming task can shift their focus away from what is causing their distress. Choose something simple and familiar to them and ask them to help you. Doing something together that you used to do together when you were a child like folding laundry, or polishing silver, can be a great way to stir happy memories.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Alzheimer’s Care Services in Union County NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today.
Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.
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