Many of us have seen it.
Your loved one begins to fade gradually. Memory worsens, hygiene diminishes, the body weakens, and slowly but surely, the person you knew and loved is a hollowed-out husk of their former selves.
While a depressing thing to think about, the good news is, there’s always something we can do.
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But first, we need to know what we’re dealing with. Nearly twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s than other races, Black Americans face a unique challenge when it comes to this condition. In Black folks with the APOE ε4 gene, the risk is even higher.
If you or a loved one are struggling with Alzheimer’s, or suspect its early stages, there’s plenty you can do. There is no reason to let independence and happy, healthy living disappear!
Here are six strategies for managing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) with Alzheimer’s.
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1. Keep Clothing Simple
Sometimes, getting dressed properly is a monstrous challenge all by itself. If you or someone you know is struggling, consider some simple steps to tackle the issue. First, be sure to organize. Lay out the clothing on your bed according to how you put it on. Or, you can label your drawers by numbers, so that you know the order of getting dressed.
Another thing to do is use clothing that can be easily modified. Many people with Alzheimer’s find zippers, elastic waistbands, and Velcro to be game-changers. To minimize stress, get rid of excess clothing, clear out that wardrobe, and keep the outfit choices down to two or three per day.
RELATED: Alzheimer’s Disease: Black Americans Are Hardest Hit
2. Bathe & Shower Safely
While taking a nice bath or shower may be lovely for most of us, for folks with Alzheimer’s it can be a disaster. The fear of slipping and falling is no joke. This is why it’s always a good idea to modify the environment.
To improve safety and comfort, consider getting shower chairs and grab bars installed. This makes it easy to get in and sit down when bathing. Handheld showerheads can further allow people to control the water flow and feel more safe and more comfortable.
Finally, consider making the bathroom a sanctuary of sorts. Play a little music, have some nice fragrances – whatever floats your boat!
3. Make Eating Easy
As Alzheimer’s progresses, it often impacts one’s ability to use utensils properly. For this reason, adaptive utensils are key. Big handles with secure grips are the best and can help people struggling with coordination.
When it comes to what to eat, finger foods are often a great choice. Items like fruit slices, fries, breadsticks, and sandwiches make it easy to gobble up! Just make sure the schedule is set. Due to memory lapses, many folks with Alzheimer’s may forget to eat consistently. This can be addressed by eating at a regular time, charting down meals, and using reminders on alarms or phones.
4. Maintain Kitchen ‘Hygiene’
Just like personal hygiene, you want your kitchen cleaned up and looking good too. Especially when someone has Alzheimer’s, as they’re at increased risk of accidents.
To prevent appliance fires, label them. Make sure on/off switches are designated and put up concise instructions so folks can use them. Automatic shut-off timers are super nifty for stoves and ovens if you have ’em.
And don’t forget to store those sharp and dangerous objects! Keep blades, cleaning supplies, and other potentially hazardous items locked away or far from reach.
RELATED: Alzheimer’s vs. Other Dementias: What’s the Difference?
5. Be a Helping Hand
If you have a friend or family member with Alzheimer’s, be sure to talk clearly, calmly, and concisely. Be friendly, don’t expect immediate responses, and don’t rush. If necessary, use visual cues or instructions to help. And whatever you do, don’t get too impatient or angry.
Dealing with folks with Alzheimer’s may get frustrating, but letting out your frustration won’t make things better! Show empathy, stay collected, and you’ll be surprised by the difference it makes.
6. Provide Much-Needed Structure
Individuals with Alzheimer’s benefit greatly from supportive, structured environments. This not only alleviates anxiety but can also allow them to be more independent, even slowing the progression of the disease.
You can do this in three main ways: routines, spaces, and activities.
First, create daily routines to keep things predictable. Secondly, remove clutter and keep spaces distraction and hazard-free. Finally, schedule regular activities that are entertaining and social. Research shows that socialization is an important measure in slowing cognitive decline – so chat it up!
Overall, managing Alzheimer’s is all about taking a holistic approach to daily living. Every case is different, and early stages can differ vastly from late stages. However, by managing daily activities with various accommodations and lifestyle changes, individuals with the disease can lead fun, fruitful lives.
And what’s better than that?
