How To Simplify Activities Of Daily Living During Alzheimer’s Disease
Personal hygiene is among the most challenging factors in caring for a person with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It is not uncommon for dementia patients to show difficult behavior types such as anxiety and aggression. Those forms of behavior stem from brain changes related to dementia. Caregivers in a senior assisted living facility or elsewhere can take several practical steps to simplify dressing, grooming and bathing for adults who have Alzheimer’s disease.
Bathing Tips
Regular showers or baths play a part in preventing urinary tract and skin infections. Bathing time can occasionally be a tense period for a person with a dementia diagnosis and their caregiver. During that time, the patient can cry, scream or act aggressively, which is a potential cause of frustration and exhaustion for their caregiver. In this situation, remember that the reluctance of your client to bathe is perhaps because of the vulnerability or embarrassment they feel as someone else helps them. Patience and certain practical tips can make this time a lot easier for you and the person diagnosed with dementia.
Choose A Comfortable Environment
Your client may hesitate to bathe for many reasons, including feeling uncomfortable. Consider whether the water or the bath used is excessively chilly. Your dementia client perhaps feels cold after completing a bath or shower. For more comfort, warm the bath up before its use and have multiple towels in place to wrap the person in afterward.
Get A Physician’s Note
When your client hesitates to bathe, this tip from some of the best assisted living facilities may come in handy. Ask the physician or doctor of your client to write a note prescribing a bath for them. When they push back, argue or refuse to bathe, remind the person that their doctor told them to do so. This can help you in shifting the blame from you while making bath time to be less challenging.
Grooming And Dressing Tips
The Alzheimer’s Association provides a few practical tips, including the following, to cause the activities to be less stressful.
Keep Only Limited Clothes
Your client may find it overwhelming to have a closet or dresser that overflows with clothes, making them anxious. Limit the number of clothes for your client to pick from to simplify dressing for them. Ensure that the available clothing is seasonally appropriate and comfortable.
Role Play
When the disease of your client progresses, they are likely to forget the way of using a toothbrush or comb. You can help them maintain their sense of independence with some strategies. For instance, think about getting ready along with your client. Modeling for the person how to achieve the task, can aid in preventing frustration and let you bond.