Try: #purchase small boxes jewelry cases and a deck of cards at discount stores or resale shops buy textured balls through physical therapy catalogs or online and locate fabrics with wild textures at fabric stores #put the dresser in an area the cr frequents for example if the cr spends a lot of time in […]
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At some stages of dementia a Care recipient (cr) may wish to keep certain papers or objects in a particular place and become upset if other people organize those things
Try: #the personal box or briefcase may give the cr a sense of security as well as the opportunity to keep things that feel important nearby #if it will help the cr recognize the box or briefcase write the cr’s name on the briefcase or plastic box with the dimensional craft paint #fill it with […]
At some stages of dementia care recipients crs may be confused about their age where they live and which of their relatives are living
Try: When a cr asks to go home to a place that is no longer home validate support the feeling not the logic of the wish don’t argue about facts accept the delusion as a need to feel safe loved or comfortable even as dementia causes fear uncertainty and discomfort ask questions about what home […]
Avoid embarrassing food stains while dining out by dressing to avoid noticeability
Try: To keep spills or stains from showing clearly when eating out wear tops and ties with busy patterns in many colors upon returning home use grease-cutting dish soap to pre-treat oily stains put a drop of soap on a stain and let it sit for a few minutes gently dab or rub the spot […]
Early dementia puts a strain on conversations
Try: Dementia affects how stimuli going in are received and since caregivers are often busy while talking things are often misheard mixed up misinterpreted not heard or not remembered by the Care recipient (cr) don’t ask the cr to do more than one thing at a time make time to for one-on-one conversation that lets […]
Match activities with functional skills for care recipients crs with dementia
Try: Flower arranging uses focus concentration and eye-hand skills it can also offer reaching or range of motion exercise craft stores carry all the supplies #buy plastic or silk flowers that are strongly attached to stems and don’t have berries or small floral pieces #use plastic mugs or containers as wide-mouthed vases #drill holes in […]
It is sometimes hard to know how to talk to a Care recipient (cr) with dementia whose spouse has died
Try: Music hobby items photos etc food items enjoyed by the deceased person optional try #a caregiver friend or family member can organize visits to the widowed Care recipient (cr) it may be wise for visitors to arrive in the late morning when the cr is most likely to be alert and receptive #during the […]
Access to stairways can lead to wandering falling or entering places unsafe for people with dementia
Try: If a Care recipient (cr) with dementia is unable to climb steps safely block access to stairs with baby gates place a baby gate at the top of a staircase going down to a cellar or at the bottom of a staircase going up to a second floor buy more than one baby gate […]
The effects of dementia may make it hard to stay at a healthy weight
Try: See if weight loss is linked to illness or infection trouble getting food from plate to mouth difficulty using silverware lack of interest or decreasing appetite consult a doctor if more than a couple of pounds are lost in a week and if you are having trouble identifying or correcting the source of the […]
Changing clothes and managing clothing can get difficult at some stages of dementia
Try: Use a routine and simple prompts to change the habit of wearing the same outfit daily without washing it buy several outfits identical or very similar to the outfit worn most often put an open laundry basket in the care recipient’s cr’s bedroom put nightclothes out in the evening prompt the cr to put […]