What kind of care will the person with Alzheimer's Disease need?

The amount of care required by a person with AD increases as the disease progresses. In the same way, the type of care also alters. Initially, the person may need assistance with remembering names, dates, words, directions, and where things have been placed. Following on from this, they may require help with some daily activities such as cooking, cleaning and shopping, and at later stages with dressing and washing. It then becomes necessary, for reasons of safety, for the person to be accompanied at most times – limiting the effects of disorientation, confusion and the frequently observed wandering behaviour. Once the severe stages of AD are reached, the physical side of the illness becomes apparent and help is required with walking, toileting and the person may become confined to bed or a wheelchair.While earlier symptoms may prove emotionally tiring for carers, these later difficulties also require considerable physical effort.

There are certain practical ways to help ease the care of a person with AD. A guide to these tips can be found in the accompanying booklet, ‘Helping to care’. This includes ways to help deal with memory issues by e.g., labelling photographs and rooms, practical issues by e.g., laying out clothes, and behaviour by e.g., learning simple communication.

Throughout the illness, the most important factor needed by a person with AD is a loving and stable environment. Perhaps surprisingly, it is this type of care that may prove to be most draining for those acting as carers. Having to deal with the symptoms that AD can bring can be distressing and mentally exhausting for the caring team.

Due to increasing demands, it is often necessary for one or more professional carers to visit the person’s home to help with daily needs, as well as providing the main carer with some essential time off. Even with outside help, the situation often becomes increasingly difficult to cope with in the family home and it may then be necessary for the person with AD to be looked after in a residential home, where they can receive around-the-clock care.

Doctors, nurses and care workers can help to identify the type of help that is available or required for each individual situation, and may also be able to provide contact information for such services. The facilities and financial assistance available vary from country to country, but AD associations and help-groups typically offer this information. For contact details of some useful national organisations in your country, see Question 10.