Daily Care for Alzheimer's and Other Dementias Questions

1. Would sign language help dementia patients with speech difficulties?

   Communication and dementia is a very challenging issue and you raise an interesting question. There are many aspects to communication and later stage dementia patients require a special language of which signs are very important. Spoken sentences need to be short, clear and transmitted slowly...
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2. How can I keep Mom from doing tasks that just require me to do more work?

   Doing chores with Alzheimer's (AD) is, at best, disconcerting and, at worst, hazardous. In the early stage of this disease, the abilities to organize and to make decisions or choices is slowly eradicated by the changes in specific parts of the brain. These organic changes make it extremely difficult for a person with AD to do routine tasks or chores...
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3. Should we encourage someone with dementia to wake up at a normal time or let them follow their own schedule?

   Wake up schedules for dementia are as different as the individuals with the disease. Many progressive long term care facilities have changed their policies to support their residents in making decisions that affect their daily lives, such as when to bathe, eat and sleep. The results have been happier and healthier residents and less work for their staff...
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4. Is it safe to substitue liquid foods for one or more meals a day?

   Chewing and swallowing issues are often referred to as “dysphagia” and whether they are due to poor dentition, weak muscles or neurological issues, they complicate caring for a loved one with dementia. We have to consider safety as well as basic nutritional n...
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5. Should someone with Alzheimer's or Dementia be left alone even for an hour or two?

   People in the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia are usually all right on their own as long as they still recognize an emergency and know how to call 911. Right now, your 94 year-old client may be perfectly safe home alone for a few hours, even making herself a cup of...
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6. What is the best way to handle Alzheimer's patients when they are restless?

   When we think of the needs of our residents, most of us think of nourishment, cleanliness, and environmental safety. Our care facilities are generally very good at meeting these physical requirements. The one need that’s often neglected is everyone’s need for something purposeful t...
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7. How do I get my mother with Alzheimer's to eat better?

   Encouraging an Alzheimer (AD) person or someone with a related disorder to eat can be extremely frustrating for the caregiver. Particularly since we continually hear about trying to maintain proper nutrition throughtout the disease process. How does one do this when the affected person refuses to cooperate or is incapable of understanding what is expected...
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8. How can I help my mother to tell me when she is hungry?

   As we get older we tend to eat and drink less. This has obvious repercussions. Your mother does need to eat and stay hydrated! If she has any kind of memory deficit, expressing she is hungry or knowing she is hungry is difficult.
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9. What is a good way to keep track of my mother's daily activities?

   You are on the right track. As a Care Manager, I set up a Daily Log in my client's homes and the Home Health Aides write a daily narrative. I provide a model that includes: nutrition (specific meal foods- quantity and quality), liquid intake, medication administration, hygiene, activities, special events and behavioral changes...
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10. Is it true that it's better for Alzheimer's patients to be cared for by family than strangers?

    There’s no ironclad rule on whether staying at home is preferable to living in a facility. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.
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11. My mother in law with alzheimers uses too much toothpase, will swallowing some harm her?

    Swallowing toothpaste is not healthy, as many brands have strong chemicals in them to whiten teeth. Also, fluoride is added to strengthen teeth, but it can be harmful if swallowed in high quantities.
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12. Is it normal to regulate a loved ones bowel movements by using laxatives?

    One way to manage someone's constipation is to find out how often they normally would go when they were younger, and use that as a guide. For example, most people have a stool at least every other day, so that schedule is what you would try to mimic using laxative therapy. You can also use the consistency of the stool as a guide...
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13. My husband and I look after my 89 year old father with Alzheimer's and care is become more and more demanding. How do I handle this?

    To begin with, bless you for trying your best to care for your father. What is happening is not unusual; your husband feels a bit neglected. Can you take your father to a day program so you have time without him? About getting someone to care for your father while you and your husband go on a date night...
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14. Are there any affordable emergency respite options?

    Finding affordable emergency respite is, at best, dependent on where you live and, at worst, not readily available no matter where you call home. The existence of these services seems to vary state by state and change depending on what area you may live within each state...
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15. Is a physical decline common in late-stage Alzheimer's?

    Unfortunately, physical decline is a part of dementia progression. Your mother needs physical assistance, because her brain controlling her muscles is damaged. Eventually, she might not be able to walk without assistance. However, you still need to provide as much activity for her as possible.
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16. Is there a clock that indicates AM and PM for my father-in-law with Alzheimer's?

    Gosh. This is a good question. Most of them have the very small light on the left indicating the am or pm, not very friendly. I did a quick search of this and found this one. It's pricey, but may be worth it. The pm is on the left hand side, not the obvious choice on the right...
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17. How can I learn about more stimulating activities for Alzheimer's patients who are less independent?

    Thank you for bringing up this topic. It's one of my pet peeves.
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18. How much money is fair for my mom with Alzheimer's to contribute to our household?

    Yes, the rent is counted as rental income and the pay is taxable. Since you are directing your own activities with regard to caring for your mother, you can get paid as an independent contractor rather than an employee. Then it is up to you to decide how much to withhold depending on your tax situation...
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19. What kind of floor covering would be best for an Alzheimer's patient who spills things every day?

    I would definitely install 'fake' or laminate hardwood floors for two reasons: 1. they are very easy to care for and wipe clean with a little soap and water. 2. hardwood floors are most likely what is in her long term memory as they were the primary floor covering when most current AD folks were younger...
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20. Should I still take my dad with Alzheimer's to the dentist for regular checkups?

    Not cleaning his dentures may allow overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria in your father's mouth that would increase his risk of developing aspiration pneumonia. Dentist might check for possible presence of mouth cancer.
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