Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders for Home Health Providers

1. Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia-Related Disorders

This chapter helps the caregiver understand the umbrella of dementia, other conditions that may mimic Alzheimer’s dementia, and the progression of the disease into ultimate brain failure. It compares and contrasts the normal aging brain with the brain affected by Alzheimer’s disease and aids the caregiver in recognizing the difference in age-related changes versus the symptoms of Alzheimer’s dementia. They will learn what is currently known about the causes and how it is diagnosed along with what they can do to support the brain health of the person for as long as possible. Caregivers will learn to recognize specific symptoms commonly observed as the disease progresses and how to respond in a therapeutic manner to maximize the well-being of the person.

2. Communication with Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders

In this chapter, caregivers will learn to identify the stages of Alzheimer’s dementia and understand how the brain is changing from early onset through the late stage. They will receive instruction in the basic skills of communication and learn to recognize and respond to the significant changes occurring in the abilities of the person with Alzheimer’s dementia to effectively communicate their needs. The importance of positive body language will be emphasized along with verbal and nonverbal communication strategies that are calming and anxiety reducing.

3. Behavior Management

Behavior problems are often one of the most serious challenges faced by caregivers of persons living with Alzheimer’s dementia. This chapter will reframe the problem of behaviors as actions and reactions to internal and external stimuli in the environment using examples and case studies of situations commonly faced by caregivers. Caregivers will learn to investigate common causes that frequently generate untoward actions and reactions and implement specific strategies for responding in a calm, understanding way and meeting the needs of the person.

4. Promoting Independence Through Assistance With Activities of Daily Living

This chapter assists the caregiver in helping people with Alzheimer’s dementia maintain their independence while overcoming difficulties that caregivers frequently encounter when caring for persons living with Alzheimer’s dementia. Caregivers will learn skills for assisting with activities of daily living in the beginning, middle, and late stages. Specific examples of feeding assistance for use by the caregiver, including hand-over-hand technique, are demonstrated for helping the person to remain independent with feeding themselves for as long as possible.

5. Developing Skills For Working With Families and Addressing Conflict

Home health providers frequently interact with families that are caregiving for their loved one. These families are often experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety related to the Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis of their loved one. This chapter offers the caregiver valuable insights into the pre-grief process that families often experience and teaches various approaches for responding in a supportive and caring way. It also discusses the issues, concerns, and conflicts that can arise and teaches the caregiver a process they can follow to mediate these challenges and attain a positive outcome.