This post will include some tips and advice I have as a 16 year old who helps to take care of his mother with early onset Alzheimers.

To start off, the most important thing in my opinion when it comes to taking care of a person with Alzheimers is having a schedule. Being organized and on top of what you are doing is an absolute necessity to make sure everyones lives are as easy and as comfortable as possible. An example of this for my family goes as following: when I wake up I will help my mom change and go to the bathroom, then my brother will give her the medicine as well as breakfast, I would always make sure that one of my brothers or myself would be home to be with my mom. Not a moment goes by when she is in the house alone. Then we would be on top of her every need throughout the day and help her until she goes to bed. If you do not have a schedule or a routine which you can become accustomed to, your life will become much more difficult, and it can become unsettling for the person with Alzheimers.

The next tip is simple yet crucial. Patience. Times will be challenging, things will be difficult, you have to be patient. The single most important thing when you are a caretaker for a person with Alzheimers is to make sure that their life is as easy and comfortable as possible. Everything you do should benefit their well being, not your own. When you try to help the person change or go to the bathroom, it may be difficult and upsetting because it is not an easy process. While you are helping to take care, be patient. If you let yourself get irritated or upset you will only regret it later. Remember, the person with the disease is not being difficult on purpose, it is not their fault, so be patient and kind. Make sure to help, not harm.

When it comes to helping a person with Alzheimers complete a daily task, be understanding. When you are going through a part of your routine, be an example of someone who is caring, loving and helpful. Remember to always have a big smile on your face (always be positive and happy, not irritated).