Alzheimer's Disease Patient Caregiver Guide (cont.)
In this Article
Dressing a Person with Alzheimer's Disease
For someone who has Alzheimer's disease, getting dressed presents a series of challenges:
choosing what to wear, getting some clothes off and other clothes on, and
struggling with buttons and zippers. Minimizing the challenges may make a
difference.
- Try to have the person get dressed at the same time each day so he or she
will come to expect it as part of the daily routine.
- Encourage the person to
dress himself or herself to whatever degree possible. Plan to allow extra time
so there is no pressure or rush.
- Allow the person to choose from a limited
selection of outfits. If he or she has a favorite outfit, consider buying
several identical sets.
- Arrange the clothes in the order they are to be put on
to help the person move through the process.
- Provide clear, step-by-step
instructions if the person needs prompting.
- Choose clothing that is comfortable,
easy to get on and off, and easy to care for. Elastic waists and Velcro
enclosures minimize struggles with buttons and zippers.
Eating: Getting a Person with Alzheimer's Disease to Eat
Eating can be a challenge. Some people with Alzheimer's disease want to eat all the time,
while others have to be encouraged to maintain a good diet.
- View mealtimes as opportunities for social interaction and success for the
person with Alzheimer's disease. Try to be patient and avoid rushing, and be sensitive to
confusion and
anxiety.
- Aim for a quiet, calm, reassuring mealtime atmosphere by
limiting noise and other distractions.
- Maintain familiar mealtime routines, but
adapt to the person's changing needs.
- Give the person food choices, but limit
the number of choices. Try to offer appealing foods that have familiar flavors,
varied textures, and different colors.
- Serve small portions or several small
meals throughout the day. Make healthy snacks, finger foods, and shakes
available. In the earlier stages of
dementia, be aware of the possibility of
overeating.
- Choose dishes and eating tools that promote independence. If the
person has trouble using utensils, use a bowl instead of a plate, or offer
utensils with large or built-up handles. Use straws or cups with lids to make
drinking easier.
- Encourage the person to drink plenty of fluids throughout the
day to avoid dehydration. As the disease progresses, be aware of the increased
risk of choking because of chewing and
swallowing problems.
- Maintain routine dental checkups and daily oral health care to keep the
mouth and teeth healthy.
Next: Activities for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease »
- Anxiety - Read about anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder, GAD) causes, physical symptoms and signs, medications and treatment. Learn about symptoms (worry, fear) and other types of anxiety disorders.
- Stress - Read about stress symptoms, signs, causes and treatment. Get information on stress management tips, the effects on the body and stress types (teen, job, PTSD).
- Dehydration - Read about dehydration (definition: excessive water loss) in children, treatment, symptoms (thirst, dry mouth, dark urine) and causes (vomiting, diarrhea).
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