Sollievo

To Help or Not to Help:   Personal Care

Self care activities (such as dressing and grooming) are not just tasks that have to be done in order to remain physically alive.  They are opportunities caregivers have to help individuals with Alzheimer’s disease maintain their physical, mental, communication, and social skills, as well as their dignity and self-respect.  Using effective approaches to these activities can help enhance an individual’s overall well-being for as long as possible.

Encourage the person to do as much as possible for him/herself.  If your family member can comb his/her hair, allow him to do so while you make the bed or complete another quick household chore.  You may need to finish (such as combing the back of the head) but it strengthens self care independence while maintaining individual identity and self-esteem.

The easiest way to cope with problem behaviors is to prevent them.

• Be alert to verbal and nonverbal warning signs of possible problems developing.
• Stop and think about the situation
• Use the problem solving approach to help prevent problems, as well as to respond more effectively when problem behaviors occur.

The first step in problem solving approach is to try to identify the cause of the behavior.  What happened before the person began getting upset?  Talk with the person to see if she/she has any physical discomfort or unmet needs.  Try to identify the emotions he/she is feeling.

The second step is in the problem solving approach is to look for possible solutions or changes that will meet the person’s needs.  Once identified, some needs have clear solutions.  However, response to other problems may require creative thought and repeated efforts.  When unable to identify the cause, start with the basics, a drink, snack, or a trip tot the bathroom.

Also keep in mind that a response may work on time, not the next time, and work again later.

For more information contact 317-218-5111 or www.behomelivelife.com

Although people with Alzheimer’s disease gradually lose the ability to use words to express and understand ideas, they do retain the ability to communicate emotionally.  They can comprehend the meaning of a hug, a handshake, and a loving or disapproving glance.

Often a person with dementia will pay more attention to the nonverbal communication than the words used. 

• Evaluate hearing and vision if possible.  Assess the person’s hearing and vision.  If hearing or vision aids are available, be sure they are in working order and are used.
• If the person can’t find the right word, you can:
  • Encourage the individual to act out the meaning:  Demonstrate “want to eat” with an eating motion
  • Encourage the person to “talk around” what he/she is trying to say, gradually “zeroing in” on the meaning.
  • Say what you think he/she is trying to communicate, sort of like playing “20 questions.”  Remember that people with Alzheimer’s tend to recognize words that they hear or see even when they no longer can recall words.
  • Be cautious about correcting wrong words, such as when sugar is referred to as salt.  The purpose of correcting a mistake is to health other person learns the correct way to do or say something.  A person with Alzheimer’s disease may be unable to learn and remember the information you are giving.  Consequently your corrections may only serve to frustrate the person.

For more information contact 317-218-5111 or www.behomelivelife.com.

A meaningful day is a day filled with activities that create a sense of belonging and well-being, and the person with Alzheimer’s disease can participate in easily.  Here are some strategies to create a meaningful day for you and your family.

• *Enjoy reminiscing with your family member.  Short-term memory may be damaged, but long-term memory often remains.  When reminiscing it is helpful to talk about subjects such as winter snowstorms or making holiday dinners rather than a specific memory or event from the past.
• *Recognize the special abilities that often remain and enjoy them together.
• *All people, with or without Alzheimer’s disease enjoy the same things:  a good meal, animals, babies, or favorite music.
• *People with Alzheimer’s disease enjoy other forms of affection.  Sit close and look at pictures.
• *Look for activities that will be interesting to the person.  In seeking activities the individual would enjoy, it helps  to think about past work experiences and past and present interest.

For more information 317-218-5111 or www.behomelivelife.com.