Home Care – Tips for Managing Behavior Changes Caused by Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease occurs when brain cells start to die and the brain stops working as well as it used to. It can affect many areas of a patient’s life and those that care for him. Often caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients say one of the most difficult things to deal with is the behavior and personality changes that come along with the disease. It seems to change the person that they knew their whole lives into someone else, and sometimes that someone else is not a very pleasant person.

But as a caregiver, you still love and care for your loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease. It can be a daunting task and having a professional who is trained in Alzheimer’s care may be one way you get assistance for the daily tasks you need to help your loved one with. An Alzheimer’s home care professional can help you manage daily chores and personal care as well as provide a bit of respite when you need it.

When your loved one displays behaviors or has emotional outbursts, you might wonder what you can do to help her through the emotions that are causing her to act a certain way. Here are some tips you can use to help you navigate these waters while making your loved one feel safe, loved, and secure.

1. Focus on the feeling, not the words. Harsh words and curse words can often be triggers for caregivers. Instead of focusing on what is being verbalized, focus on what emotion seems to be behind it. Is your loved one fearful, nervous, or worried? Then acknowledge those emotions and reassure your loved one that she is safe and protected.
2. Reassure with short, simple sentences. You don’t need to provide a long explanation about why something your loved one is currently upset about isn’t based on reality. A couple of simple sentences that explain that she is okay, all is well and there is no need to worry are enough.
3. When reassurance doesn’t work, use diversion. Often, an Alzheimer’s patient cannot be reasoned with. You may know that neighbors aren’t spies, but if your loved one is feeling fearful about them, simply telling her that may not help. Instead, find ways to divert her. Turn on her favorite music to sing or dance to. Talk about her favorite Alzheimer’s care provider coming for a visit in the afternoon.
4. Keep yourself under control. Losing your temper, yelling in frustration, or showing violent behaviors (like pounding on a wall or counter) will not help your loved one. If it’s safe, leave the room for 10 seconds while you calm down. If you are feeling constantly overwhelmed by these new behaviors and emotions from your loved one, talk to your Alzheimer’s Care provider about how you can receive more help.

Your loved one is lucky to have you as a part of her life and a companion on this sometimes-heartbreaking journey. Give both of yourselves plenty of grace during it.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring home care in Broomall, PA, and the surrounding area, please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care. (484) 206-4544

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Ibrahim & Mariama Suma-Keita

Owners at Suma Home Care

Ibrahim Suma-Keita Jr studied lived, studied and work in London, United Kingdom when he emigrated as a teenager from his country of birth Sierra Leone. Ibrahim had a illustrious career in Information Technology (IT). However, he emigrated to Philadelphia, where he settled and married to his wife who is a Registered Nurse, they have three children together.

Ibrahim recently completed a Professional Certificate in Management; He is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administrations (MBA) at a prestigious university in the UK.

With their passion for helping others and a strong background in customer services and clinical care, Ibrahim and his wife started assisting individuals in their homes.

Since started and operating Suma Home Care in 2010 in the basement of their home, Suma Home Care has provided professionals who work endlessly in providing clients with the highest quality of care, while enabling clients to maintain dignity, comfort and safety in their homes.

Suma Home Care, serves four counties in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia. Ibrahim is firmly connected to his local community and is always looking for ways to give back whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Ibrahim enjoys spending time with his wife and children, travelling and enjoys sports.

Mariama Suma-Keita BSN RN
Born in Sierra Leone west Africa, relocated to America in 1999 from a civil war and settled since in the U.S.A as a Naturalized citizen Graduated from National school of nursing with an associate , and completed BSN in Nursing from Immaculata University graduated with Honor roll Alpha Lambda sigma, After escaping the war served as a refugee nurse in Gambia and Guinea to other displaced refugees before coming to America.

In the states started in Homecare then then transition into hospital, worked in Jefferson hospital as a Registered nurse on Tele and general medsurg floor, also worked in Einstein hospital as an oncology transplant nurse , I realized that I enjoy working with patients so much and believe in quality and compassionate care one at a time dealing with an holistic approach in caring for patients and family in a familiar environment called home , I see the impact and progress when they’re home , it makes them feel relax and progress fast with recovering at home. As a nurse and entrepreneur I understand that dedication to meeting people and families needs is a priority, and able to foster relationships with family and patients that is professional and friendly to help them stay and settled home as a desire.

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