Categories:

One of the most difficult things a family has to do is turn the care of their loved one over to caregiver, whether it is a family member or a stranger. Some caregivers relate to their patients on a professional level, however, caregivers who become more personally involved with patients seem to have the better results. Being a best friend to the loved one will get positive results.

Loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease may have an especially rough time getting attached to caregivers because they may not remember them from day to day, but they will remember if they are treated with respect and kindness.

When a caregiver relates to a person on a friendly, personal level, they observe a positive change in temperament. Activities seem to be more enjoyable, and the patient will have a general feeling of well-being knowing that they have a friend to spend time and someone they can trust. The patient knows the difference in someone who just does clinical duties or mothers them, and someone who is genuinely concerned.

How can a caregiver become a friend to an Alzheimer’s patient when they may not even remember them the next day? Home attendant NYC and home health care NYC caregivers feel that the answer is to treat that person just as you would any other friend – talk to them, then listen to them respond. Even if you can’t understand a word they say due to disconnected sentences, if you are attentive and respond, they will feel that someone cares. Tell them stories, read to them, and if they are not having a good day, be patient and wait for them to be ready to respond again.

Dementia patients have the same emotions that we do – sadness, loneliness, fear, anger, and frustration. The difference is that they cannot express these feelings because they can’t remember how. Alzheimer’s patients feel lost on a daily basis. They feel isolated, lonely, and confused, and are often embarrassed by their forgetfulness. Caregivers from home attendant NYC and home health care NYC will be a friend who will recognize this and try to distract them from these feelings.

The most important question a caregiver can ask as a friend is, “How do you feel today?” By listening as they respond, this act of genuine concern will make the Alzheimer’s patient feel loved, secure, and that a friend really cares.