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Accommodating
Alzheimer's Disease
By
Beverly Moore |
Question: What
are some specific ways we can accommodate the changes
Alzheimer’s disease brings?
Answer: Someone with Alzheimer’s disease is often
confused; the world becomes unfamiliar. We can accommodate
these changes by learning to relate to them differently. One
of the more important changes we make is to change the way
we speak.
Address people suffering with Alzheimer’s disease by name
first and maintain their attention through a conversation.
Slow down and simplify speech to accommodate the slower
processing of information they experience. Wait for answers.
Inform rather than question. Tell them what day it is. This
helps them get on with the day instead of trying to figure
it out for themselves.
Avoid switching subjects, as they cannot do that easily.
Never correct them; it is embarrassing. They already know
they are making mistakes and don’t need us to point it out.
Initiating and organizing an activity is difficult for them.
Set up a task to ‘jump start’ the brain to ‘remember’ how to
do the task. Set it up in the order they need to do it and
be successful. Participate in an activity with them; this
helps maintain interest and concentration. Apathy and lack
of interest are common with Alzheimer’s. They will retain
skill longest in tasks done for years. Avoid introducing new
activities. Maintain a calm, predictable and enjoyable
environment. As their care partner, you can help them have
the best day possible.
A good resource to help you learn more about accommodating
Alzheimer’s Disease is the book, Learning To Speak
Alzheimer’s by Joanne Koenig Coste.
Next Month’s Question: Why do I react the way I do
to their illogical behavior? |
About The Author
Beverly is
owner of Alzheimer Coaching Services. She offers coaching to
understand dementia and to learn to accommodate the person
through habilitation methods. Her company is located in
Quincy and you may reach her at (617) 233-1145, or
www.alzheimercoachingservices.com.
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