Coping with daily activities in Alzheimer's disease

1. Bathing and personal hygiene

- maintain the person's former foutine for bathing as much as possible.
- try to make bathing a pleasant and relaxing occasion.
- simpligy the task as much as possible.
- if the person refuses to bathe, try again later.
- allow the person to do as much as possible unaided.
- if the person appears embarrassed while bathing, wrap a towel around the shoulders or waist.
- think about safety; something firm to hold on to, such as grab-fails, non-slip mat, an extra chair.
- if bathing always leads to conflict, a sponge bath might be better.
- if you constantly have problems, get someone also to help.

2. Dressing

- lay out clothes in the order they are to be put on.
- choose clothes that are easy to put on, for example, elastic waistband vs zippers or buttons, velcro fasterners vs shoelaces.
- buy a few sets of the same clothing if he insists on wearing the same clothes everyday.
- use clothing that fastens at the back if he repeatedly takes off his clothes.
- encourage independence in dressing as long as possible.
- use non slip rubber-soled shoes.

3. Toileting and incontinence

- schedule regular interval for going to the toilet; every 3 hours, after meals, before bed, etc.
- label the toilet door using bring colours and large letters
- leave the toilet door open so it is easy to find.
- make sure clothing can be easily removed.
- make sure clothing can be easily removed.
- limit drinks within reason before bed time.
- providing a bed pan or bedside commode maybe helpful.
- stay calm and keep a sense of humour when accidents happen, don't scold or embarrass the person.
- seek professional advice.

4. Cooking

- assess how well the patient can do their own cooking.
- enjoy cooking as a shared activity.
- install safety devices.
- remove sharp utensils.
- if patient is unable to cook safely, look for other option. ie: home catering. Ensure a balance diet.

5. Eating

- you may have to remind/ show the person how to eat.
- use finger food- it can be easier to manage and not as many.
- cut up food in small pieces to prevent choking. In the late stages of the disease, it may be necessary to mash or liquidise all food.
- remind the person to eat slowly.
- Be aware that the person may not be able to sense hot or cold, and may burn the mouth on hot foods or liquids.
- when the person has difficulty swallowing, consult your physician to learn ways to stimulate swallowing.

6. Driving

- discuss the subject with the peson gently.
- suggest using public transportation.
- if you are not able to dissuade the person from driving, it may be necessary to consult with your doctor.

7. Other medications and cigarettes

- if the patient smokes, supervise use of cigarettes and matches.
- preferably discourage smoking altogether.
- check other medication with your doctors.

Useful website:
www.adfm.org.my
www.healthandage.com
www.alz.org