If your mom or dad has Alzheimer’s, taking care of them can be very challenging. As the disease progresses, your mom or dad will be unable to tell you when they are upset, hungry, thirsty, tired, or when they are experiencing other issues.
That means you will need to be able to read their non-verbal cues to tell what your mom or dad needs throughout the day and night. Alzheimer’s home care can help you learn better how to read your mom or dad’s body language and cues. The care providers who specialize in Alzheimer’s home care have years of experience and training so that they can provide the best care to seniors who have Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s home care can give you the help and support you need to take care of your mom or dad. And it can provide respite care so that you can take a break and take some time for yourself.
Some Alzheimer’s home care tips that can help you learn your mom or dad’s non-verbal cues include:
Watch for Restlessness
Restlessness, pacing, or fidgeting can be signs of unmet needs like hunger, thirst, or discomfort. For example, your mom or dad may start to shift positions in their chair, tap their fingers, or move around the house without a clear purpose.
While restlessness can sometimes indicate anxiety or confusion, it’s often linked to physical needs. Offer a small snack or a glass of water, or help them get comfortable and see if the behavior subsides.
Notice Facial Expressions and Gestures
Your mom or dad’s facial expressions can say a lot, even when they can’t find words. Watch for cues like grimacing, furrowing the brow, or licking the lips. These expressions might suggest thirst, hunger, or discomfort. Similarly, gestures like pointing to their mouth or stomach, rubbing their eyes, or holding their head can give you clues about what they’re feeling.
Listen for Nonverbal Sounds
Even if your mom or dad can’t speak clearly or doesn’t know the word for what they’re feeling, they may make sounds that indicate their needs.
Groaning, sighing, or moaning might point to discomfort, hunger, or tiredness. Whimpering or humming could be signs of frustration, while louder vocalizations might suggest pain or distress. Pay attention to the tone and frequency of these sounds to determine what might be wrong.
Look for Changes in Behavior
Sudden changes in your mom or dad’s behavior are strong indicators that something is wrong. If your normally calm parent becomes irritable, agitated, or withdrawn, they might be tired, hungry, or thirsty.
If your mom or dad is usually active but becomes unusually quiet or lethargic, it might also be signaling an unmet need. Try offering food, water, or a comfortable place to rest and see if it helps.
Pay Attention to Physical Cues
Physical signs like dry lips, a flushed face, or dry skin can indicate dehydration, while stomach growling or frequent hand-to-mouth movements might point to hunger.
If your mom or dad is tired, you may notice drooping eyelids, frequent yawning, or difficulty focusing. Taking note of these physical cues can help you identify what they need, even when they can’t express it themselves.
Use Trial and Error
When you’re unsure what your parents need, trial and error can be an effective approach. Offer a small glass of water or a light snack and see if they respond positively. If they seem uninterested, try guiding them to a comfortable chair or bed for a rest. Sometimes, simply holding their hand or sitting with them can help you gauge their needs based on their reaction.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Home Care in Bethany, CT, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services of New Haven, CT, today. Call (203) 538-6273
At Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Fort Hartford, CT, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in New Haven, Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Cheshire, Derby, Milford, Naugatuck, Orange, Prospect, Seymour, Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull, West Haven, Woodbridge, and Woodmont and surrounding areas in Connecticut.
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