Tips for Alzheimer Patient Caregivers & Visiting an Alzheimer Patient
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Caregiving for a patient with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is extremely difficult. The AD patient may not always remember the caregiver.
One incredible free resource and book for caregivers is called “Coach Broyles’ Playbook for Alzheimer’s Caregivers.” http://www.alzheimersplaybook.com/downloads/category/1-alzheimers-playbo...
The book is written by retired football coach and former University of Arkansas Athletic Director Frank Broyles. Broyles wrote the book with the assistance of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ (UAMS) Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging.
The book was inspired by Broyles' own personal experience with Alzheimer’s disease.
According to Broyles, “When my wife, Barbara, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s I didn’t know much about the disease or the impact it would have on our lives; much of what I learned was trial and error.”
Broyles continued, “Early on I promised myself that one day my family would share with other families dealing with Alzheimer’s all that we had learned, from our research and experiences.”
The free 110-page book offers a plethora of tips for AD caregivers. Some of the tips include: finding the right doctor, putting together your special team, legal issues, home safety and communications tips.
The book has a sports theme and is written from the view-point of a loving caregiver.
Also, the book discusses the three stages of AD. Valuable and vital caregiving information is provided for each stage of AD.
The book is available in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, French, German, Danish and Hindi.
There is also a 17-page pocket reference guide with easy and quick tips. For example, it discusses why an AD patient may be pacing. An AD patient generally paces back and forth or rocks because they are unsure of their location and they are extremely frightened. To counter their behavior, a caregiver can try the following:
• Tell the AD patient they are loved and safe
• Try to distract the AD patient with an activity. View a magazine or put together a puzzle with the patient
• Hold his or her hand
• Walk with the AD patient
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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