Try: #evaluate what is happening to the cr are normal behaviors becoming more exaggerated and inappropriate are simple tasks becoming difficult does the cr ask you to perform tasks that would otherwise be taken care of independently has the cr stopped any activities of leisure or personal care #ask what changes the cr is noticing if the cr denies changes that you believe are taking place see if anyone else notices them #be honest and discuss your concerns with the cr avoid secretive behavior #ask a doctor for a dementia assessment encourage the cr to have a caregiver present to hear the results make sure the cr and the caregiver get their questions answered #if the doctor doesn’t find anything but you believe the cr is showing signs of dementia ask for a referral to a specialist in geriatric health or geriatric psychiatry

Materials: Patience flexibility sense of humor and compassion friends and family other support people and community resources openness to whatever works

Categories: Cognitive Intellectual, Emotional Psychological, Independence, Some Supervision, Long-Term Memory, So-So L T 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: #hallucinations involve seeing or hearing things that are not actually present or occurring #hallucinations can occur with some kinds of dementia and can also be caused by reactions to medications psychiatric illness and significant stress consult a physician to determine the cause of hallucinations #when you become aware that a cr is having an hallucination listen carefully and be a little curious all you may need to say is what have the voices been saying what are you seeing now what is this like these questions show acceptance which makes it more likely the experiences the cr is having will be shared with you #consider medication if hallucinating places the cr in a frightened frightening or combative state if the hallucinations are not particularly disturbing to the cr and pose no threat to the cr’s safety you may choose to simply accept them as part of what the cr is going through

Materials: Knowledge of what is normal for the cr calm reaction

Categories: Cognitive Intellectual, Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical, Independence, Maximum Supervision, Cognitive Awareness, Somewhat Aware, Long-Term Memory, Poor L T Memory, Short-Term 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: #buy a few uncomplicated large-piece puzzles for the cr to work on #clear a place on the table for the tray or puzzle mat and let the cr pick a puzzle #set up the puzzle so the cr can work on it comfortably at the table preferably with the caregiver in view #give verbal reminders and encouragement while the cr works on the puzzle #occasionally help with the puzzle if that helps the cr stay encouraged and interested in it #talk about the puzzle puzzle’s picture with the cr #bring the puzzle to the cr cr’s side before and during meals and encourage him or her to work on it while you or another caregiver are away from the table for a few minutes #the puzzle will move out of the way easily if you keep it on a tray or a puzzle mat designed to roll up between sessions look for puzzle mats in general merchandise stores and online

Materials: Variety of puzzles with large pieces foam or cardboard puzzle mat that rolls up or tray with low edges

Categories: Cognitive Intellectual, Personal, Social, Mobility, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Independence, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Vision, Good Vision, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware, 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: #ask the therapist or doctor for handouts on the exercises being assigned # make one copy of the handouts for each day the cr is expected to do the exercises for two weeks make fourteen copies if necessary enlarge the original when making the copy so the directions are easier to see #on the calendar write the word ‘exercise’ on each day for a fourteen day period #each day after exercises have been done if the cr or the caregiver immediately draws a line through the word each will be able to tell later what days exercising actually occurred #each day before exercising write the date on one copy of the handouts use that handout as a guide when one set of exercises is complete make a note near the directions or draw an ‘x’ through the picture #keep the handout sheets in a visible place near the area where exercising will be done #set an alarm clock to go off during the day as a reminder to the cr to exercise if necessary or helpful

Materials: Exercise handout with simple pictures and directions access to copy machine pen

Categories: Cognitive Intellectual, Medical Physical, Vision, Good Vision, So-So Vision, Poor Vision, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware, Long-Term Memory, Good L T Memory, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, Short-Term 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: #with the doctor or pharmacist’s help coordinate the antibiotic dosing schedule with a pre-existing pill schedule if there is one also check with the doctor or pharmacist to see if the antibiotic needs to be taken with food and coordinate the schedule with meals #if the cr is easily confused and lives alone suggest that the doctor consider the medicine schedule possible # pill organizers come in a variety of styles an organizer that lists the days of the week and has room for one to four doses per day allows the cr and the caregiver to easily see whether or not a scheduled dose has been taken #a caregiver can assist the cr in filling pill organizers a week in advance the pill box should be kept where it can be easily seen and easily used #some pill organizers come with alarms that can be programmed to ring when it is time to take a pill or an alarm clock in the home can be set to go off when doses are scheduled many alarm clocks have two settings if necessary two alarm clocks can be used to go off up to four times #a caregiver helping a cr with memory problems can check the pill box often and regularly to confirm that the pills are being taken #special consideration should be given to a cr who needs to take medication at a time when he or she is regularly out of the home a small pill box and a wristwatch alarm or a pillbox with a build-in alarm may be useful options

Materials: Consultation with doctor or pharmacist if necessary caregiver alarm clock with two settings two alarm clocks if necessary pill organizer with alarm setting if desired

Categories: Cognitive Intellectual, Medical Physical, Independence, Some Supervision, Vision, Good Vision, Hearing, Good Hearing, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, 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: #when planning a family gathering make sure the needs of a cr for comfort and quiet can be met if large group activities become too much designate a quiet area if the family tends to sit in a big circle set aside a comfortable space with easy access to a bathroom #crs who are easily startled may be happiest seated with their backs to the wall with seating nearby for easy conversation with another person #if family members want to do an activity that creates a lot of noise offering the cr use of a different room might be appropriate try to arrange a quieter activity for the cr and another person or two in the other room so the cr is not isolated #encourage younger family members to ask questions about the cr’s life for example grandpa what was your favorite christmas present even if the cr can’t answer the questions might lead to discussion among the cr’s family members whose memories will keep the cr’s stories alive

Materials: Family communication pre-planning

Categories: Cognitive Intellectual, Social, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Some Supervision, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware, Long-Term Memory, Good L T Memory, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, Short-Term 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: #always face the cr and speak clearly remind the cr who you are what day it is and the time of day do this naturally and frequently throughout the day as needed #place a clock with a large clear dial and a large plain calendar in a location where they can be easily seen #use a white board to clearly write the day of the week and date each morning place the white board where it can be easily seen by the cr #keep familiar objects around such as pictures favorite sweater favorite chair and remove unnecessary objects and clutter #make sure there is adequate lighting and there are no shadows or dark spots in rooms #use a night light when it gets dark in the evening

Materials: Clock with a large clear dial simple calendar without pictures white board and marker adequate lighting

Categories: Cognitive Intellectual, Communication, Independence, Maximum Supervision, Cognitive Awareness, Somewhat Aware, Long-Term Memory, Poor L T Memory, Short-Term 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: #a cr’s stories are important to the cr and the larger family and the loss of ability to tell them may bother the family as much or more than than the cr #the cr and caregiver can share conversation aimed at bringing out stories a voice-activated recorder or a regular recorder can capture their conversation and be transcribed later into a typed version or copied from tape to another format keep in mind that transcribing can be labor-intensive #the caregiver can write down the cr’s stories using a computer after listening to the cr or interviewing the cr specifically about certain events or people #a digital or other audiovisual recording device can be used to capture images of the cr telling his or her stories this also can be labor-intensive in that it may take quite a lot of time to capture succinct accounts of stories or people #written accounts of stories as the cr tells them may be helpful to the cr who may be interested in reviewing them over the course of dementia the cr may not recognize the stories as his or her own and family and friends will have adjust to that change

Materials: Typewriter or computer voice-activated recorder video audiovisual device caregiver

Categories: Cognitive Intellectual, Social, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Verbal Communication, Good Verbal Comm, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware, Long-Term Memory, Good L 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: #connect the cr to a consistent caregiver who can check in on the cr on a daily or weekly basis as needed #if the caregiver is a family member or friend connect the caregiver and the cr to social services that the cr is eligible for these services may cover gaps in care the caregiver can’t provide in terms of food assistance home care services transportation to medical appointments utility assistance

Materials: Caregiver family member friend or social service professional label maker paper and pen clear tape little notepad and pen

Categories: Cognitive Intellectual, Mobility, Mobile, Independence, Some Supervision, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware, Long-Term Memory, Good L T Memory, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, So-So S T Memory, Poor S T Memory

Information: And referral etc #use a label maker to make large-print labels for drawers cupboards shelves etc whose contents may be confusing the cr #the caregiver should look for areas where it appears the cr is particularly forgetful and evaluate whether the cr is at risk because of forgetfulness for example forgetting to put laundry away in the right place may not be a problem but forgetting to turn off the stove is #the caregiver can assist the cr by writing simple reminder notes as needed for such things as how to use an appliance how to re-heat a pre-made meal how to call for a cab etc #the caregiver and the cr can create a list of important people and their phone numbers and put a copy of it next to each phone in the home #the cr can be encouraged to keep a notepad and pen at hand during phone calls or visits to take notes if something important is said also the notepad can be a place to write down questions or concerns the cr thinks of while alone that otherwise may be forgotten before the caregiver returns information

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

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

Try: #replace or simply cover up the bra hooks with strips of velcro allowing the Care recipient (cr) to fasten her bra without the reach or finger dexterity usually needed use a thimble and a heavy needle while sewing as the velcro and bra fabric will be difficult to push a needle through #velcro strips may be useful replacements for bras that fasten in front as well for those fastening in back they may replace latching as well as hook and eye closures #if using velcro is also too difficult for a woman try permanently sewing the bra closure shut so the cr uses an over-the-head method of putting on her bra just as she would a pull-over shirt the pull-over method may not work well for women who can’t raise their arms or who are very well-endowed

Materials: Velcro strips thimble heavy needle strong thread

Categories: Cognitive Intellectual, Medical Physical, Personal, Female, Mobility, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Independence, No Supervision, Some Supervision, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware, Long-Term Memory, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, Short-Term 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