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 […]
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Memory loss distraction and impaired signals from the brain may lead to trouble eating or finishing meals
Try: Serve one course at a time soup or salad main course then dessert serve each food on a separate dish or separate a few foods on one plate make the plate more visible by putting a placemat or tablecloth under it use table linens whose solid colors are in high contrast to the plain […]
Visitors find it hard to find the right things to say when care recipients cr’s hallucinate or are confused about where they or others are
Try: Getting a conversation started say hello and use the cr’s name or your name for them mom dad start with an icebreaker like i’m so happy to see you you look very nice today i love that color on you or what’s happening with you today ending a conversation without hurting feelings end on […]
Loss of memory can lead to loneliness without a helper to assist in keeping up connections
Try: Help a Care recipient (cr) with dementia observe the birthdays of friends and families #mark on the calendar all birthdays the cr would like to acknowledge with a card # help the cr by naming people one at a time and asking if the cr would like to send them cards when their birthdays […]
Agitation is common in some stages of dementia and is often affected for better or worse by environmental conditions
Try: If agitation isn’t related to a physical need make sure the Care recipient (cr) has room to pace safely if trying to soothe agitation just increases it stay calm make sure the cr is safe and back off to help a cr get less agitated lower noise and activity or offer a quiet space […]
When dementia causes resistance to bathing special effort may help make bathing more comfortable
Try: Decorate the bathroom with laminated pictures the Care recipient (cr) enjoys let the cr help pick the pictures the cr may not care about pictures related to life before dementia lamination is done at some copy shops use plastic frames to avoid steam damage put all bathing supplies in the bathroom before the cr […]
Loss of strength in legs may lead to trouble getting safely on and off the toilet
Try: Use a raised toilet seat to make it easier to get on and off the toilet the lower the toilet the more effort legs must make to raise the body from the seat use grab bars properly mounted on walls to aid sitting standing personal hygiene and rearranging clothes do simple arm and leg […]
Easy light exercise may be needed when physical and mental abilities have been lost
Try: Play a tossing game or batting game a balloon may be better than a ball because it is easier to hit and moves more slowly requiring arms to be raised longer and increasing the time of muscle activity use a balloon when severe stroke dementia or slow reflexes are present use a hand pump […]
Self-grooming after signigicant vision loss requires organization and the cooperation of household members and visitors
Try: Keep grooming items in the same place between uses teach families and visitors not to casually move or reorganize items teach families and visitors to ask each time before aiding in grooming after picking up a brush or comb run fingers lightly down the handle to the head to speed recognition and orientation buy […]
Poor balance while walking may lead to falls and injury
Try: If a Care recipient (cr) with poor balance doesn’t use a walker or cane correctly or often try these seek more training from the doctor physical therapist or medical supply agent in walking with a walker or cane remind the cr to use the cane or walker even in the house a cr may […]