Personal Care

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.