Top Strategies for Late Summer Sparkle with Those Who Have Dementia

PRLog (Press Release) – Aug 04, 2008 – Over 5.2 million people in the US now have Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. We all benefit from being out in the great outdoors. The sunshine, the smells, the sounds, usually bring back happy memories. People with dementia should have this opportunity too.

Following these tips will ensure you and your loved one or client, with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia will have a pleasurable summer.

Structure and routine.
Try to follow regular predictable routines that include pleasant familiar activities. Remind the person that everything is going according to plan. Designate a certain time to go for a walk or sit in the backyard together.

Pleasant outdoor and indoor activities.
Make time for simple pleasant activities the person knows and enjoys---listening to music, watching a movie or sporting event, sorting coins, playing simple card games, walking the dog, playing catch,or dancing can all make a big difference.

Keep things simple.
Break down complex tasks into many small simple steps that the person can handle (e.g. stirring; folding towels while doing the laundry). Allow time for frequent rests.

Redirect
Sometimes the simplest way to deal with agitated behavior is to get the person to do something else as a substitute. For example a person who is restless and fidgety can be asked to sweep rake or cut grass dust fold clothes or take a walk with the caregiver. Someone who is rummaging can be given a collection of items to sort and arrange. Have a box of items for outside too.

Refocus.
Sometimes it is enough to offer a snack or put on a favorite videotape or some familiar music to interrupt behaviors that are becoming difficult.

Have flexibility.
Your loved one might want to do some activity or behave in a way that at first troubles you or may refuse to do something you have planned like taking a bath. Before trying to interfere with a particular behavior, it is important to ask yourself if it is important to do so. Even if the behavior is bizarre, it may not be a problem especially in the privacy of your own home

Soothe.
When the person is agitated it may help to do simple repetitive activities such as a massage or hair-brushing.

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