Try: The cr cr’s driving ability can often be a sensitive issue to discuss a driver’s license signifies more than the ability to drive a car; it is often a last sign of independence some crs may be aware of their reduced ability but may still be reluctant to give up driving completely the following suggestions may help you in this discussion be respectful for many crs driving is an integral part of independence many crs have fond memories of driving at the same time don’t be intimidated or back down if a legitimate concern exists give specific examples about driving it’s easier for the cr to ignore generalizations about his or her driving providing specific examples that document your concerns will help you make your point find strength in numbers if more than one family member or friend has noticed unsafe driving and discussed this with the cr the issue will probably be taken more seriously by the cr the cr may also be more willing to listen to an impartial third party such as a doctor or driving specialist help find alternatives the cr may be so used to driving that he or she has not considered alternatives try to assist the cr in locating other options that may work understand how difficult this is for the cr the cr will likely experience a profound sense of loss when giving up driving recognize and acknowledge the cr’s feelings and try to help with the transition as much as possible

Materials: n/a

Categories: Communication, Emotional Psychological, Maintenance, Medical Physical, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, So-So Vision, Poor Vision, So-So Hearing, Poor Hearing, 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: Adapted from the internet website www helpguide org

Keywords: Driving car

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

Try: Tell people in cr’s faith community that cr has memory loss encourage them to talk with cr and show him her that they still care

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Communication, Medical Physical, Personal, Spiritual, Cognitive Awareness, 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: caring for a person with alzheimer’s disease your easy-to-use guide from the national institute on aging by national institute on aging 2011 available at www nia nih gov

Keywords: Religion religious church church members faith spiritual faith community prayer pray

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

Try: The following things to start the communication materials try be playful being playful can make communication about intimacy a lot easier use humor gentle teasing and even tickling to lighten the mood learn how to infuse your communication with lightheartedness and humor speak honestly honesty fosters trust and relaxes both partners remind the cr to be open with his partner be creative intimacy can be more enjoyable of creativity is used communicate openly the cr may belong to a generation in which sex was a taboo subject but talking openly can help one enjoy intimacy

Materials: n/a

Categories: Communication, Sexuality Intimacy

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Sex intimacy

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

Try: Focus on physical touch and intimacy take the pressure off by putting aside old ideas of what sex should be have the cr focus instead on the importance of tenderness and contact share experiences start with a romantic dinner or breakfast having an experience together sexual or not is a powerful way of connecting intimately don’t be shy encourage the cr to hold hands and touch his or her partner often have the cr tell the partner what he or she loves about the partner hi relax find something that relaxes both partners whether it’s trying massage or baths together relaxation fosters confidence and comfort in the cr expanding the definition of intimacy sexuality necessarily takes on a broader definition as we age try to open up to the idea that intimacy can mean many things for the cr and that closeness with a partner can be expressed in many ways natural changes due to aging as the cr ages it it’s normal for her and her partner to have different sexual abilities and needs find new ways to enjoy physical contact and intimacy the cr may have intercourse less often than she used to but the closeness and love will remain

Materials: n/a

Categories: Communication, Medical Physical, Sexuality Intimacy

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Sex intimacy

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

Try: Use the benefits of wisdom and experience the independence and self-confidence that comes with age can be a positive the cr will likely now know more about herself and what makes her excited and happy experience and self-possession can make intimacy more enjoyable remind the cr to keep a positive attitude avoid dwelling on how things are different than in the past a positive attitude and open mind can go a long way toward maintain a sex life especially in later in life love and appreciate your older self naturally the body is going through changes as one ages if the cr can accept these changes as natural and hold appreciate her health intimacy will be a good thing confidence and honesty improve a person’s self image and can be appealing be sure to practice safe sex older cr’s are still susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases the cr should work with his or her partner to provide protection

Materials: n/a

Categories: Communication, Medical Physical, Sexuality Intimacy

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Sex intimacy

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

Try: There is a wide array of housing options available to the cr the costs vary based on the type of housing needed and some options can be quite expensive in addition the quality of life also varies and any kind of change for the elderly cr can be difficult talking to the cr about possible changes in housing can cause considerable anxiety it may be difficult for the cr to think about losing independence future medical concerns or the potential costs the following are some typical cr concerns along with suggestions on how to overcome them the cr does not want to discuss the housing issue and prefers to wait until the time when a change is needed the cr shouldn’t worry excessively about the future but almost everyone will have to consider housing options at some point either for his or herself or for a loved one the more the cr plans ahead the more control the cr has in the decision everyone loses if an emergency strikes and a decision is rushed it can be very difficult to make an important decision about housing in a crisis situation the cr is concerned about involving family in the housing decision making process it is not an easy conversation but it is important to communicate with family members about the potential housing changes family members will want to help the cr with the decisions however they may also be balancing work their own children or other commitments clear communication from the outset can help avoid misunderstandings or unrealistic expectations the cr will not listen to spouse partner it’s painful for the cr’s significant other to see a loved one having trouble while the spouse partner can’t force the cr to accept help or move he or she can be supportive the spouse partner with should talk with the cr’s medical team sometimes the cr may be more willing to listen to a doctor care manager or other impartial party the family is concerned that the cr will need more help than can be provided care giving may start with small assistance and rapidly evolve into an all-consuming task family members may be juggling the needs of others in the family or their work getting help outside of the family for the cr is not a bad thing; rather it means the family really cares about the cr cr’s health and well being

Materials: n/a

Categories: Communication, Emotional Psychological, Financial, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision

Information: n/a

References: Adapted from the internet website www helpguide org

Keywords: Housing living arrangements

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

Try: Go to cr’s favorite restaurant go to a zoo park or shopping mall go to a swimming pool during a slow time of day at the pool go to a museum theater or art exhibits for short trips consider making a card for cr to carry that explains a communication or behavior problem that might come up at a store or restaurant

Materials: Index card or business card size paper card pen

Categories: Sage, Topic, Communication, Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical, Personal, Social, Verbal Communication, So-So Verbal Comm, Poor Verbal Comm

Information: n/a

References: caring for a person with alzheimer’s disease your easy-to-use guide from the national institute on aging by national institute on aging 2011 available at www nia nih gov

Keywords: Day trips going out fun activities bored boredom outings

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

Try: Use a business size card to tell others about cr cr’s disease illness disability here is some sample text that could be used on the card my family member has __ he she might say or do things that are unexpected thank you for your understanding

Materials: Pen business size card

Categories: Sage, Topic, Communication, Medical Physical, Verbal Communication, So-So Verbal Comm, Poor Verbal Comm, 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: caring for a person with alzheimer’s disease your easy-to-use guide from the national institute on aging by national institute on aging 2011 available at www nia nih gov

Keywords: Outings day trips trouble communicating store clerks restaurant staff

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

Try: Help friends family avoid correcting cr if he makes a mistake or forgets something

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Communication, Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical, Social, Verbal Communication, So-So Verbal Comm, Poor Verbal Comm, Cognitive Awareness, Somewhat Aware, Unaware, 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: To help family understand what care giver cg and cr are going through tell family how to get more information about cr’s condition s tell family what they can do to help let family know cg needs breaks

References: caring for a person with alzheimer’s disease your easy-to-use guide from the national institute on aging by national institute on aging 2011 available at www nia nih gov

Keywords: Communication friends family coworkers memory loss cognitive impairment conversation small talk socializing

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

Try: Help friends family plan fun activities with the person such as going to family reunions; church temple or mosque gatherings; other community activities; or visiting old friends

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Communication, Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical, Social, Verbal Communication, So-So Verbal Comm, Poor Verbal Comm, Cognitive Awareness, Somewhat Aware, Unaware, 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: To help family understand what care giver cg and cr are going through tell family how to get more information about cr’s condition s tell family what they can do to help let family know cg needs breaks

References: caring for a person with alzheimer’s disease your easy-to-use guide from the national institute on aging by national institute on aging 2011 available at www nia nih gov

Keywords: Communication friends family coworkers social activities memory loss cognitive impairment

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