Alzheimer's Caregiver Training: Key to Successful Home Care

Editor's Note: The following are highlights from AARP's Rx Watchdog Report for October/November 2005 and was submitted by AARP Illinois. To see a full copy of this report visit www.aarp.org/health/affordable_drugs or call 1-888-687-2277 for more information.

Article submitted by Jo Ann White, RN, BSN; Dianne Boazman, LCSW, CMC; and Betty Landreaux, LCSW, CMC, co-owners of Home Care Solutions and Care Management Solutions in Metairie LA.
For more information, they can be reached at 504-837-5801.

Alzheimer's Disease affects not only memory but behavior, thinking and communication abilities. Caring for a person with such symptoms of dementia can be an extremely stressful job.

For example, a major issue in caring for someone with Alzheimer's Disease is misunderstanding or misinterpreting certain behaviors, such as wandering, refusing to bathe, or anger outbursts. The misunderstanding can be on both sides -- either the caregiver or the person receiving the care. When caregivers understand the cause of the behavior, they are usually able to adapt the environment or adjust their own behavior to make life less complicated for the memory-impaired person.

A trained caregiver who understands Alzheimer's Disease and who can apply special behavioral techniques can truly make a difference. Well-trained caregivers can keep the individual mentally and physically stimulated and functioning for as long as possible, while alleviating anxieties and frustrations.

What should caregiver training include?

• An understanding of Alzheimer's Disease
• Techniques for communicating effectively
• Skills to understand and manage problem behaviors
• Accomplishing personal care tasks
• Planning meaningful activities
• Creating a safe environment

Value to the Family
High-quality dementia care helps give family members peace of mind while providing dignified and gentle care for their loved one. When special care-giving skills are utilized, the quality of life is improved in spite of the unfortunate losses of this disease.

"After working as a psychiatric nurse for over 15 years, I thought that I was equipped to care for individuals with dementia. After my research and study for caregiver training, I realized how vital it is to have specific knowledge and skills to care for individuals with Alzheimer's." - Jo Ann White, R.N., BSN, Psychiatric Nurse