What Alzheimer’s Caregiver Training Is

Caregiving is already a very personal, vulnerable, and taxing position both mentally and physically. Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects the brain; it affects memories, thinking, motor skills, and nearly every aspect of your loved one’s or client’s life. There are many sources online that can connect you with the training you’ll need to be an effective caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s.

Below is why Alzheimer’s caregiver training is essential and necessary for understanding each stage of the disease and how you can adjust your caregiving efforts accordingly.

The Importance of Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Training

It can be challenging to manage life with Alzheimer’s, which is why caregiver training for it is so important. In addition, Alzheimer’s has stages and knowing how each stage will affect your client or loved one is important for adjusting the care they need. Below are the stages of Alzheimer’s.

• Early – In the beginning, a person can continue to function somewhat independently but will begin to have symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s. Memory issues, difficulty completing tasks, and remembering names/words are all common.
• Middle – This stage is usually the longest stage of Alzheimer’s, and it can last for several years. The symptoms will become more pronounced and noticeable in this stage. Symptoms expand to mood swings, wandering, behavioral changes, incontinence, confusion, and they will increasingly need help with everyday tasks.
• Late – Late-stage Alzheimer’s is the most severe in terms of symptoms. Communication, cognitive skills, and personality changes are common. In this stage, your loved one or client will need the most care as they have less and less control over their bodies.

Alzheimer’s Training Builds Your Knowledge

As the disease progresses, Alzheimer’s disease will create a need for more care and attention. While early-stage Alzheimer’s may not require you to make many changes to your caregiving routine, middle-stage and late-stage will. As a caregiver, you will need to prepare yourself to communicate effectively with someone with Alzheimer’s as their ability to communicate lessens. Learning to simplify tasks and adjusting routines are some of the first steps you can take to enrich and support the life of your loved one or client.

Where to Find Additional Alzheimer’s Caregiver Training Resources

The best place to find additional information, training, and resources is online. The BrightFocus Foundation actively researches treatments for dementia and Alzheimer’s; they have several articles, toolkits, and guides to managing Alzheimer’s. The National Institute of Aging offers free publications for caregivers. Lastly, the Alzheimer’s Association has an online education center that has several free educational programs on everything from communication strategies to guides for living at the different stages of Alzheimer’s.

Local Resources for Alzheimer’s Caregivers

The Alzheimer’s Association offers a variety of tools and resources online to help manage the mental and physical effects Alzheimer’s will have on your client or loved one. They provide support groups, helpful guides and can connect you with local chapters to help you through the process.

In addition, there are caregiver support groups near you where you can share experiences and ask for advice from other caregivers. Often at these support groups, you’ll find that other caregivers have already experienced or are currently experiencing the difficulties the disease causes with their loved ones or clients. The ability to share your situations and learn from others is beneficial in everyday caregiving.

As the disease reaches the middle and late stage, services like adult daycare, respite care, and hospice care can provide you with the support and breaks you’ll need. These services ensure your client or loved one continues to receive adequate care while you maintain the mental and physical health you’ll need to continue effective care.

How JEVS Helps Caregivers with Alzheimer’s Training

JEVS at Home strives to connect you with the resources you need to provide the best care possible. We have the tools, resources, and support network you need to manage the difficulties of caregiving and Alzheimer’s. Our site and staff can connect you with the support groups, training, and certifications you’ll need to manage Alzheimer’s in your client or loved one.