How about pulling the buttons off clothes?
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Does anyone else experience that it takes well over an hour to eat dinner??
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Nonna 66. I think your answer is that she laughs.
I also really appreciate this article. I'm going to give copies to family members to encourage them to call more often or stop by. As someone else said, it's handy for talking to other elders. I even think it could help when talking with any mentally challenged person regardless of their age.
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For a number of clients I worked with we set up a medium sized chalk/dry eraser type board in place that was visible that we put each days date on as well as time of a special activity for that date, along with a happy face or other cheerful drawing. Keeping track of time and a date was a major concern and source of confusion for many as short term memory increased and gave us the opportunity to allow loved one the independence of not needing to continually ask 'what time is it?" or what are we doing next. We would often verbally remind someone ahead of time of upcoming event by sharing . . 'We are going to eat in 15 minutes' rather than asking 'Are you ready to eat?' as this created immediate readiness to participate. Surprisingly almost all favorite activities (reading, puzzles, sewing) are adaptable with larger print or pieces and a little ingenuity without making them feel child-like, as intelligence is not gone, only ability to respond.
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Having had the honor of working with Alzheimer affected clients, I completely agree with all that it lovingly shares it and hope that those reading it and their Alzheimer (and all dementia) loved one's benefit many useful ideas.
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Excellent article. Thank you.
I've noticed with my Mom who has dementia that the ability to follow a conversation or a discussion is gone. Sometimes I forget this and I'll start to discuss something we've been watching on the news and all I get is a polite but blank look from her. It's obvious she hasn't caught the drift. I'm sure that this is a reason she no longer wants to go to the senior center.
Another thing that aggravates me is her inability to make a simple choice. For example we'll plan to go out to eat and I'll ask her where she'd like to go and she can't answer that except to say "anywhere is fine".
This article is a great reference and a reminder of how to communicate with a dementia pt. I know for me, Mom, is the only one I may have to talk to for days on end and I forget her limitations. Sometimes it causes me moments of unnecessary frustration and I'm sure it does the same for her.
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Tip number two states you should remove distractions. I agree this will be the best way to have them remember as much as they can. This way, they aren't subconsciously remembering what tv show was on in the background.
virginiahcs
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i agree with all ten points . i saw my aunt tonight and she already had two visitors . edna just shook her bony little fist at me and i clinched mine back at her and volumes were spoken without a word .
im happy to see good education , like this article , being made available to help carers and loved ones . dementia is a disaster for all involved if the carers dont know what theyre doing .
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I just saw a very dear friend whom I haven't seen since she has slipped into this phase of Alzheimer's. She cries and says she's dying all the time. I hug her a lot and try to make her feel secure I'm not sure it helps. She has always been very quick witted and loved it when I would say goofy things to her that made her laugh. I did a little of that when I saw her and she seemed to know I was teasing with her and she laughed. I'm just afraid I'll cause her confusion when I do it. It's hard to stop because that's my sense of humor with off the cuff verbiage. Should I stop doing that?
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Great article! May I add: do as many things together, if possible.
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Great tips. My husband does not have Alzheimer's, but tips 4 and 5 are great for my blood pressure when communicating with him!
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Thanks alot for the tips. It's now better to understand !
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Where around Marietta? I am Johnson Ferry and Shallowford RD
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In or around Marietta, Georgia, is there a local support group for the family to attend. it seems we are all going in a different direction
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Excellent article, by the way! I shall quote some in my blog. Every caregiver (volunteer, family or professional) should read it!
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Dementia is an impairment to cognitive functioning. Using numbers is a very cognitive, abstract concept. Basically, the blood isn't getting to the brain cells and the brain cannot function. The first signs for me was my dad being unable to balance his cheque book. This was something he took great pains over. Yes, I would say this is dementia. You must take over, as many mistakes are made. I had power of attorney and the bank would not recognize it. This is a tough issue. All the best.
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When I am on the pc working, it gets mom mad. I take breaks. She tends to stand and look out the window a lot. I couldn't stand as long as she does.
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Some of these pointers could work with elders suffering from any kind of cognitve decline. My mom who has PD is starting to exhibit 'confusion' in many areas of her life. Anything to do with numbers, calendars, phone, remote control, money matters just flusters her and she becomes unglued. She resents that I have to 'take over" iin some cases but I have to or bills won't get paid etc and people on the phone would be like "Huh?" . I've also noticed that if she naps for a bit and wakes up she might think it's a different day and needs to be reminded often what day of the week it is, etc. I call it 'getting confused" or cognitive decline (NOT TO HER FACE OF COURSE) but I was wondering is it dementia as well?
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