Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive form of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. One of the most common symptoms of this disease is difficulty with movement and mobility, including turning over in bed. As a caregiver or loved one of someone with Alzheimer’s, it can be challenging to know how to help them with this task. In this article, we will discuss the steps you can take to assist a person with Alzheimer’s in turning over in bed.
1. Understand Why Turning Over in Bed Can Be Difficult for Someone With Alzheimer’s
Before diving into the steps of how to help, it’s essential to understand why turning over in bed can be difficult for someone with Alzheimer’s. This disease causes damage to the brain, affecting the person’s ability to process information and carry out daily tasks. As a result, they may struggle with basic movements, such as lifting their body weight, shifting their position, or coordinating their movements.
Additionally, Alzheimer’s can cause confusion and disorientation, making it challenging to understand verbal instructions and follow through with them. These physical and cognitive impairments can make it difficult for a person with Alzheimer’s to turn over in bed independently.
2. Prepare the Environment
Before assisting someone with Alzheimer’s in turning over in bed, it’s essential to prepare the environment to ensure their safety and comfort. Make sure the room is well-lit, and there are no tripping hazards such as cords or clutter on the floor. Adjust the temperature in the room to a comfortable level, as people with Alzheimer’s may have difficulty regulating their body temperature.
You may also want to place pillows or rolled-up towels along the edges of the bed to provide support and prevent them from rolling off. Lastly, make sure you have a firm grip on the person’s body or clothing before attempting to move them.
3. Communicate Clearly and Calmly
Communication is crucial when helping someone with Alzheimer’s turn over in bed. Keep your instructions short, simple, and clear. Use a calm and gentle tone of voice and make eye contact to help maintain their attention. Instead of saying, “roll over,” try using phrases like, “let’s turn onto your side” or “let’s reposition your body.”
Avoid using negative language or becoming frustrated if they don’t understand or follow through with your instructions. Remember that Alzheimer’s causes memory loss and confusion, and the person may not be able to comprehend what you are asking them to do.
4. Provide Physical Assistance
First, make sure the person is lying on their back before attempting to turn them over. Stand on the side of the bed, facing the person, and reach underneath their shoulders and hips with both hands. Gently lift and rotate their body towards you while keeping their spine aligned. Make sure to support their head and neck throughout the movement.
If the person is unable to assist with turning over, you can use a transfer sheet or a draw-sheet to help move them. Place the sheet under the person’s body, and use it to slide them towards you while gently turning them onto their side.
5. Encourage Independence
Although it’s essential to provide assistance when needed, it’s also essential to encourage independence in people with Alzheimer’s. If possible, try to involve them in the process by asking them to assist with the movements as much as they can. For example, you can ask them to hold onto the bed rail or use their legs to push themselves over.
If they become agitated or resistant, don’t force them. Instead, take a break and try again later. Remember that patience and understanding are key when helping someone with Alzheimer’s.
6. Consider Adaptive Equipment
In some cases, using adaptive equipment can make turning over in bed easier for someone with Alzheimer’s. For example, bed rails can provide support and stability while turning, and a bed pole can help the person reposition themselves independently.
You may also want to consider using a hospital bed with an adjustable backrest or a bed with a motorized turning function. These types of beds can make it easier for caregivers to assist with repositioning and reduce the risk of injury.
7. Seek Professional Help
If you are struggling to assist a person with Alzheimer’s in turning over in bed, it’s essential to seek professional help. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and home health aides can provide training and support for caregivers to learn proper techniques and use adaptive equipment effectively.
They can also assess the person’s ability to move and provide exercises to improve mobility. Additionally, they can offer strategies to manage challenging behaviors and provide emotional support for both the caregiver and the person with Alzheimer’s.
Helping someone with Alzheimer’s turn over in bed can be physically and emotionally demanding. Remember to take care of yourself by getting enough rest, eating well, and taking breaks when needed. Seeking support from other family members or joining a support group can also help alleviate the stress of caregiving.
In Conclusion
Assisting a person with Alzheimer’s in turning over in bed requires patience, understanding, and proper communication. By preparing the environment, providing physical assistance, encouraging independence, and seeking professional help when needed, you can make this task more manageable for both the caregiver and the person with Alzheimer’s. Remember to take care of yourself as well and seek support when needed. With these tips in mind, you can help a person with Alzheimer’s turn over in bed with confidence and compassion.