When you think of fall colors, browns, yellows and oranges comes to mind. But in November, the color teal takes centerstage. Teal is the Alzheimer’s Awareness color of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) and November is Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness month. Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 6 million people today, and that number is expected to triple by 2060.
The AFA uses teal because it has been shown in color psychology studies to be a calming color. While there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, using calming colors and taking certain actions can help those with the disease to cope better with their symptoms and maintain brain heath.
Here are 11 things you can do to care for a loved one experiencing cognitive decline. While these won’t cure the disease, you can have peace of mind knowing you’re giving your loved one the support they need.
- Routine: Routines are important to help your loved one cope with short-term memory loss. Routine can include meals, bathing, and getting dressed at the same time each day.
- Communication: Alzheimer’s sufferers may find it difficult to communicate, which can lead to anger and frustration from both parties. Don’t argue with your loved one. Learn to keep calm, redirect conversations that may lead to arguments, learn their nonverbal cues, and keep responses and instructions short. Do not yell, ask open-ended questions, or take their words or behaviors personally.
- Autonomy: Give your loved one as much autonomy as possible depending on their stage in the disease. Allowing them to independently perform daily tasks like getting dressed after you lay out their clothes for them, keeps them occupied and calm. You can also give them choices like whether to sit indoors or outdoors, whether to eat an apple or an orange, etc.
- Safety: Safety is key. Safety measures you should take include putting away items like matches, etc., inserting safety plugs into outlets, putting carpet or safety grip strips on stairs, hiding car keys, enclosing outdoor spaces, and removing obstructions from hallways and rooms.
- Calm environment: Reduce confusion in the house by removing items with loud prints and patterns like shower curtains and rugs.
- Active lifestyle: A healthy active lifestyle includes both physical and mental activity. Go for walks or help your loved one with simple exercises. Encourage your loved one to read, or join them for a puzzle, to keep their brain stimulated.
- Activities: Keep your loved one busy with fun activities like listening to music. Make them a playlist of songs they enjoy from their childhood to make them feel at ease and grounded.
- Take care of yourself: Caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease can be physically and emotionally taxing. Take breaks, eat healthy food, get exercise, make time to see friends, participate in hobbies, and connect with support groups. By doing activities that bring you joy, you will be able to meet your needs while better caring for your loved one.
- Future logistics: Start discussions early on with your loved one so they can be involved in decision making. Topics to discuss include care type, finances, wills, and power of attorney. Sorting out these administrative aspects with your loved one will ensure they are able to make decisions about their future before they lose the ability to communicate what is best for them.
- Research: Do your research. By educating yourself about your loved one’s disease, you will be able to better understand the illness and what they are experiencing, how to communicate with them and help, and how to cope with their new behavior.
- Consider Memory Care: Modern senior living communities like The Seneca provide Memory Care, which gives you peace of mind knowing that your loved one is in good hands. At The Seneca, our Memory Care Associates form a deep connection with each Memory Care resident, creating a loving and nurturing environment that’s both refined and familiar. Memory Care residents receive personalized, one-on-one care and have access to amenities like all-day dining and exercise classes that will allow them to thrive. You will be able to visit your loved one at The Seneca in their home or in one of the many indoor or outdoor community spaces as frequently as you’d like, all while keeping up with your own independent lifestyle.
Just because the month of November is almost over, awareness should not stop. Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 6 million people today, and that number is expected to triple by 2060. By continuing the conversation around Alzheimer’s Disease past November, those suffering and those with loved ones who are suffering from the illness will be able to learn and better cope.
