Care Providers Play a Critical Role in Alzheimer's Care

Alzheimer's Care - The Role of Caregiver and Care Partner

In your role as a Care Partner in the early stages, your part is to support, love, and provide companionship to the person you are caring for. "You are there to help with daily life, as needed, and help the person with Alzheimer's plan for the future. Since no two people experience Alzheimer's alike, the degree of required assistance from a care partner in this stage varies."

A person with early-stage Alzheimer's may need cues and reminders to help with memory. For example, they may need help with: 

• Keeping appointments 
• Remembering words or names 
• Managing money 
• Recalling familiar places or people
• Doing familiar tasks 
• Keeping track of medications 
• Planning or organizing 

Tap into the person's strengths and encourage them to continue living as independently as possible. You can help the person stay organized with shared calendars, notes, medication schedules, and other reminder systems. Establishing a daily routine and maintaining some regularity will be of benefit. The person also will need emotional support. They may feel frustrated, anxious, embarrassed, or isolated. 

You can help by: 

• Encouraging the person to share their feelings, and asking how you can be supportive 
• Encouraging the person to stay involved in activities they enjoy 
• Helping the person locate a support group for people in the early stages and their care partners

As a care partner, you also will go through many emotions. Know that you aren't alone. Being part of a community of people going through similar experiences can provide you with support, hope, and information. Contact the Ricmond Alzheimer's Association chapter to find an early-stage care partner support group near you: (804) 967-2580

Get more tips and ideas on how to best care for a loved one with Dementia and Alzheimer's with our In-Home Care & Caregiving Resources at BrightStar Care: https://www.brightstarcare.com/resources

BrightStar Care of Richmond provides award-winning 24/7 Hourly Private Duty RN-Led Home Health Care, Alzheimer's Support, and Medical Staffing Services.

Our nurses and dementia caregivers offer support around the clock, providing a full continuum of medical and non-medical services for families living with Alzheimer's. We proudly serve The West End, Glen Allen, Manakin Sabot, Chesterfield, Midlothian, Oilville, Richmond, Montpelier, and State Farm areas.

For more information on how BrightStar Care caregivers and nurses support Richmond area families and people with Alzheimer's, and to learn more about our local team of skilled healthcare professionals – please Click Here.