How Much Care to Give Someone With Alzheimer's

Generally people in the early stage can manage most aspects of personal care on their own and you may only need to keep a friendly eye out for slipups. For example, a person in the early stage, and even later, may enjoy going to the beauty parlor or barber shop as he or she always has. However, you may need to make the appointment for her, and then make sure she knows when it is time to go.

In the middle stage your involvement in personal care will increase considerably even if the person does not have another medical condition that leaves him frail and in need of assistance. Otherwise healthy people in the middle stage are more confused, cannot plan their activities or make such previously simple choices as what to wear and the order in which clothing needs to be put on.

Bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and mouth care are some of the activities of daily living that will require your assistance.

When helping a person with any activity, you will want to first give verbal instruction, than use visual gestures and finally, touch. It may be effective to combine a verbal cue with a gesture so that the person can get the information in more than one way. For instance, if you want the person to stand up, you can ask her to stand up, raise your hands up in a matching gesture and then if necessary touch her arm or leg to get her started. Only give as much help as is needed so that the person can remain as independent as possible. Offer encouraging words or a hug, to show your appreciation for their efforts.