Try: #designate a specific closet or storage bin in which the cr is allowed to store or pile items if he hoarded items are small a shoebox may be more appropriate #limit the cr’s hoarding space to the designated closet storage bin or shoe box discourage hoarding elsewhere by looking for other sites in the house where items are being accumulated remove them with or without the cr present depending on the cr’s ability to participate #if the cr is sentimental about an item that you think needs to be thrown out or donated offer to take a picture of it plan on giving the photo to the cr as you are taking the picture ask the cr to tell you about the item jot notes in your notebook and when the photo is made print the note on the back of the photo this may address the issue that for the cr memories and feelings are connected to hoarded items and the cr may fear losing those when items are removed #help the cr start a photo book or memory album with pictures of the items or give the cr prints to put in a photo box

Materials: Empty closet storage bin or shoebox camera photo album or box notebook pen

Categories: Behavior Challenging, Communication, Emotional Psychological, Maintenance, Social, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Independence, Some Supervision

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: #discuss the problem with the cr and come to an agreement that the problem exists this must be done before you can move on to the next step #offer to help the cr resolve the problem set realistic written goals that the cr is willing to achieve #put a moratorium on accumulating additional stuff except for the most essential items #come up with a plan on how to use the available space in the cr’s living quarters #decide where to start focus on one small area if possible isolate the items that are being hoarded in a separate place room garage etc #sort items into three separate boxes ##throw out ##sell or donate ##store #keep only the items that have a distinct use and function in the present living circumstances similar items should be grouped together in an appropriately labeled storage bin or box #confidential personal financial and medical

Materials: Plastic trash bags large plastic storage bins or boxes with lids self-adhesive labels and black felt tip marker shredder digital camera photo printer and photo album

Categories: Behavior Challenging, Communication, Emotional Psychological, Maintenance

Information: Should be shredded use a shredding service if you don’t own a shredder #use the digital camera and photo album to preserve memories of items that have sentimental value instead of trying to save them when there is no room #be persistent pace yourself and celebrate when significant progress has been achieved #work with the cr to address feelings and behaviors that lead to hoarding understand that there may be setbacks information

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: You may want to try one several or all of these suggestions but keep in mind the importance of presenting any of them to the cr in a non-judgmental way set a tone that allows the cr to explore his or her behavior without having to get defensive about it you can do this by being clear and fair in your word choices and caring and sincere in your tone ask the cr to write the negative words he or she uses on a piece of paper and their meanings ask the cr to explain rationally if he or she really means what he or she says and if it it’s fair to treat people that way ask the cr to look at himself mirror and say those words and to observe how he or she looks at the time ask the cr to imagine what impression other people get about him or her when the cr is heard saying those things ask the cr what he or she thinks of people who swear and should a lot

Materials: Paper pencil mirror

Categories: Behavior Challenging, Needs Some Assistance, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: #create a spa-like atmosphere in the bathroom with music and battery-operated candles #approach the cr in a non-threatening way and say the spa appointment is ready #give the cr a washcloth to hold to prevent fighting and distract the cr help the cr undress make sure a towel is available to protect modesty #seat the cr on the bath chair and cover upper body with a towel for warmth #make sure the water is warm and ask the cr if the temperature is comfortable use warm water soap and a washcloth to wash the cr from the bottom up cleansing the genitals last ask the cr to help with this area if he or she is able #while the cr is seated pat dry and assist in putting on skid-proof slippers when the cr is out of the tub and standing offer the plush bathrobe

Materials: Relaxing music battery-operated candles washcloths liquid lavender or chamomile soap plush bathroom robe and skid-proof slippers plush bathroom towels shower chair hand-held shower sprayer

Categories: Behavior Challenging, Emotional Psychological, Personal, Male, Female, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Good Vision, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, So-So S T Memory, Poor S T Memory

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: The cr may need to be more active if pacing is a problem provide a safe place for the cr to walk inside the house or a secure yard install a door alarm to alert family or caregivers if the cr is attempting to leave an id bracelet can provide important

Materials: Id bracelet door alarm

Categories: Behavior Challenging, Cognitive Intellectual, Mobility, Mobile, Independence, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Somewhat Aware, Unaware, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, So-So S T Memory, Poor S T Memory

Information: If the cr does succeed in wandering off talk to the cr cr’s doctor about getting a medical alert bracelet information

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: #when a cr is agitated approach slowly and use a calm quiet voice if the cr recognizes you try a gentle touch on the arm #once the cr responds to you verbally or physically try asking in short simple sentences what is happening what the cr is feeling etc some cr cr’s may respond better to questions that offer choices do you feel angry or do you feel sad is the feeling like a heavy stone or something scratching inside #if 3-way lights are on click to a lower setting as glaring lights may be stimulating #keep talking in a soothing voice #if a light touch is allowed try rubbing the cr’s hands and forearms gently with the scented massage oil or lotion #limit noise by turning off the tv and radio and closing doors and windows to the outside #play music the cr enjoys if it is welcome or try playing ocean or rain sounds

Materials: 3-way light bulbs soothing music or recordings of nature sounds scented massage oil or lotion

Categories: Behavior Challenging, Emotional Psychological, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware, Unaware, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, Good S T Memory, So-So S T Memory, Poor S T Memory

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: #stop what is being done when aggression begins immediately and safely #make eye contact listen carefully and stand still with a calm manner let the cr express pain anxiety fear concern for safety or whatever else may be triggering aggression #check to see that the cr’s immediate physical needs are met sometimes aggression signals the onset of illness hunger thirst loneliness or grief #speak slowly gently and reassuringly reward the cr with praise when aggressive behavior stops #when a cr has begun showing aggression make a plan for addressing it and share it with all caregivers #make sure the needs of a caregiver who is treated aggressively are met at the very least the person may want to talk #put the behavior in perspective

Materials: Patience and kindness response plan and caregivers

Categories: Behavior Challenging, Emotional Psychological, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Good Verbal Comm, So-So Verbal Comm, Poor Verbal Comm, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware

Information: Aggressive episodes may appear as part of a stage of illness if they continue or worsen with time psychiatric care may be required

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Knowing what to expect in a day may decrease a cr’s stress a dry-erase board or calendar can serve as a reminder of upcoming daily activities write activities clearly making directions easy to follow and remember make sure the cr understands your directions for tasks activities etc use a laminated paper clock to cue the cr when it is time for certain events or activities they can be re-set for multiple events throughout the day avoid sharp or sudden movesments and don’t use a sharp tone when reminding the cr of upcoming tasks activities or appointments use sticky notes they are small moveable and can be used for reminders on the bathroom mirror etc make plans that include enough time to accomplish the activity limit background noise when the cr needs to focus on tasks such as dressing eating or bathing well-planned and clearly stated expectations can make the day easier and less stressful for the cr and the caregiver

Materials: Dry-erase board or calendar large sticky notes laminated picture of a clock with moveable hands and space to write a note near the clock clock’s face

Categories: Behavior Challenging, Emotional Psychological, Independence, Some Supervision, Good Verbal Comm, So-So Verbal Comm, Poor Verbal Comm, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: #wearing outfits such as jumpsuits and overalls may make it harder for the cr to expose him or herself the clothes are generally harder for people with confusion to manipulate than regular pants or dresses #while the cr is trying to find a way out of the jumpsuit or overalls the caregiver may have more time to notice and redirect the behavior direct the cr to conduct sexual behavior in a private place or distract the cr with another activity #keep in mind that at some stages of memory loss or disease a cr may expose him or herself as a way to communicate a different need that can no longer be put into words check the cr cr’s need for a bathroom break or continence pad change medication etc

Materials: Overalls jumpsuits suspenders

Categories: Behavior Challenging, Cognitive Intellectual, Communication, Emotional Psychological, Personal, Sexuality Intimacy, Social, Independence, Maximum Supervision, Long-Term Memory, So-So L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, So-So S T Memory

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: #use a beach towel and keep the cr covered while assisting with the bath uncovering only small areas of the body as you wash them #give the cr something to hold bath brush sponge rubber duck an empty shampoo bottle etc so that sexual advances toward the caregiver are more difficult to make #while you are washing one area of the body direct the cr verbally or with a gentle touch on the hand to self-wash the genital area there may be less of a suggestion of sexual contact when the cr is more responsible for washing that area #don’t overreact when the cr acts inappropriately distract or redirect the cr if the behavior continues over time contact the cr cr’s doctor or nurse

Materials: Large beach towel washcloth bath sponge empty plastic bottle bath brush rubber duck

Categories: Behavior Challenging, Personal, Mobility, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Independence, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Cognitive Awareness, Somewhat Aware

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed