Alzheimer’s is one of the top chronic conditions in the U.S. As the disease progresses, home care services are necessary. If you decide to offer the care your mom or dad needs, you need to carefully look at what care is going to be needed now and in the future. Here are a few of the frequently asked questions family caregivers have when they start offering care to a parent with dementia.

What Scents Can Soothe Anxiety and Agitation?

Anxiety and agitation are common in dementia. To ease them, experts believe aromatherapy can help. Soothing scents include chamomile, lavender, and ylang-ylang. Some also find lemon and orange to be soothing.

What Happened to Sleeping Through the Night?

Both insomnia and oversleeping occur with Alzheimer’s. Your parent may have one or the other happening. Pacing in the middle of the night after being asleep can indicate sundowning is happening. To prevent this, you want to keep your parent active in the day and create a bedtime ritual. Make sure lights in living areas are bright. Use timers to ensure they turn on before the sun starts to set.

Why Are Favorite Foods Suddenly Despised?

Tastes change with Alzheimer’s. Your dad used to love grilled salmon, but he hates it now. Your mom refuses to eat eggs. There are two thoughts on this issue. One is that Alzheimer’s affects the sense of smell. Foods don’t smell the same, so they’re less appealing. The other thought is that the number of taste buds in the mouth decrease with age.

How Do You Get Your Parent to Bathe?

Running water may frighten your parent. A shower is terrifying, so your mom or dad fights you every step of the way. You need to stay positive and praise good behavior. You might need to use bribery. If you take a shower, I’ll make you a hot fudge sundae.

When Do Caregivers Get a Break?

During the latter stages of Alzheimer’s, care can become a 24/7 challenge. Wandering is just one risk. Your parent is more likely to be agitated and refuse to do things that must be completed. When you want to sleep, your parent refuses to go to bed. When you’re awake, your parent tries to nap. It’s like having a toddler in the house again.

Respite care is one service you must look into. Caregivers come to your mom or dad’s home and give you a break. You can go out and run errands, socialize, or take a much-needed nap.

Some home care tasks become overwhelming. If there are tasks you struggle to help your mom or dad with, don’t give up. A part-time caregiver can help you provide the best care to your parent.

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregiver services in Katy, TX, contact the caring staff at Personal Caregiving Services at 832-564-0338. Providing Care in Houston, Bellaire, West University Place, Katy, and Sugar Land and the surrounding areas.