Apr 22, 2011

Caregiving tips

"Alzheimer's caregiving takes patience and flexibility. To reduce frustration, consider these tips for daily tasks — from limiting choices and reducing distractions to creating a safe environment." By Mayo Clinic staff

Good advice in the most recent Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Newsletter. Their suggestions are:

1. Schedule wisely. Establish a predictable routine. That is one of the best behavior management techniques I know of: structuring the environment and having a predictable routine to prevent confusion and to promote things going smoothly. They also recommend that we plan activities during the day at the times that best meet your care receiver's needs.
2. Allow plenty of time. Every activity with someone with dementia seems to take about four times longer than it used to take. So, allow plenty of time.
3. Involve your loved one: I call this fostering independence. Have systems in place which allow as much independence as possible, such as laying out clothes but allowing the person to dress him/herself.

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