How to Help a Senior with Alzheimer’s Disease and Sleep Apnea

Every senior’s situation is different, especially with different health concerns demanding time and attention. But some health issues, like sleep apnea, can take a larger toll on seniors who are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Sleep apnea affects sleep quality, which is often a lot more obvious for seniors who have Alzheimer’s. Following some of these tips can help significantly.

Treat the Sleep Apnea

Untreated sleep apnea can cause all sorts of complications, including depriving seniors of the sleep that they desperately need. For someone with Alzheimer’s disease, reduced sleep quantity and quality can worsen Alzheimer’s symptoms significantly. Work with medical providers to determine the best treatment solutions and to put a plan together that is feasible. Some treatments, like using a CPAP machine every night, can be frightening or difficult for someone with Alzheimer’s disease to adjust to. Patience and consistency can help with all of this.

Stick to a Routine as Much as Possible

Routines are important for most people, but they can be especially vital for seniors. That fact is even more true if seniors are facing Alzheimer’s disease. Routines help seniors to know what to expect every day, which can be calming and soothing. Routines help seniors to stay on top of their care plans for all sorts of health issues, including both Alzheimer’s disease and sleep apnea. Alzheimer’s care providers help seniors to not only establish but maintain routines that work for them.

Keep the Home Safe

Home safety is another area that is high on the priority list for all seniors, and when they are facing health issues there might be other steps that need to be taken to improve safety. Reducing tripping hazards as much as possible and improving lighting, especially overnight with nightlights, are two big factors to consider right away. Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease might need extra assistance overnight, especially in dealing with equipment like CPAP machines.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle Overall

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. Nutritional foods, quality sleep, and reasonable exercise are all important parts of that process. Some of these factors can help with a sleep apnea treatment plan, as well. Seniors who are overweight might need to lose a few pounds, for instance, to help make life with sleep apnea a little easier to manage.

Anticipate Needs as Much as Possible

Part of caregiving involves anticipating needs. That can become easier with time and experience, but getting help from Alzheimer’s care providers helps immensely with this. Sticking with solid routines, adopting healthy habits, and focusing on safety can all help to reduce surprises and can make it easier to anticipate needs as well. Asking close-ended questions of seniors and offering them choices whenever possible can also help.

Addressing sleep apnea is just one part of helping seniors with Alzheimer’s disease to have the best possible quality of life. Alzheimer’s care providers can help to reduce a lot of the guesswork that family caregivers struggle with as they try to take the best possible care of the people they love.

If you or an aging loved one is considering Alzheimer’s care in Moraga, CA, please contact the caring staff at Provident Care Home Care today at (209) 578-1210.