Released on = September 1, 2007, 7:45 am

Press Release Author = Susan Berg/Alzheimersideas

Industry = Healthcare

Press Release Summary = Susan Berg author of "Adorable Photographs of Our Baby,
Meaningful Mind Stimulating, Activities and More for the Memory Challenged, Their
Loved Ones and Involved Professionals" offers excellent strategies for late summer
activities for someone with dementia


Press Release Body = We are near the end of summer. Everyone can still to go
outdoors to enjoy the remainder of warm weather and outside activities. What if your
loved one has dementia? Or worse, what if he displays agitated behavior? Several
strategies will help you to enjoy the end of summer together.

Over 5 million people in the US now have Alzheimer\'s disease or a related
dementia(ADRD). We all benefit from being out in the great outdoors. The sunshine,
the smells, the sounds, usually brings back happy memories. People with dementia
should have this opportunity too.

Following these tips will ensure you and your loved one with ADRD will have a
pleasurable summer.

1. Structure and routine. Try to follow regular predictable routines that include
pleasant, familiar activities. Remind the person that everything is going according
to plan. Designate a certain time to go for a walk or sit in the backyard together.

2. Pleasant outdoor and indoor activities. Make time for simple pleasant activities
the person knows and enjoys---listening to music, watching a movie or sporting
event, sorting coins, playing simple card games, walking the dog, playing catch,or
dancing can all make a big difference.

3. Keep things simple. Break down complex tasks into many small, simple steps that
the person can handle (e.g., stirring; folding towels while doing the laundry).
Allow time for frequent rests.

4. Redirect. Sometimes the simplest way to deal with agitated behavior is to get the
person to do something else as a substitute. For example, a person who is restless
and fidgety can be asked to sweep, rake cut grass, dust, fold clothes, or take a
walk with the caregiver. Someone who is rummaging can be given a collection of items
to sort and arrange. Have a box of items for outside too.

5. Refocus. Sometimes it is enough to offer a snack or put on a favorite videotape
or some familiar music to interrupt behaviors that are becoming difficult.

6. Be flexible. Your loved one might want to do some activity or behave in a way
that at first troubles you, or may refuse to do something you have planned, like
taking a bath. Before trying to interfere with a particular behavior, it is
important to ask yourself if it is important to do so. Even if the behavior is
bizarre, it may not be a problem, especially in the privacy of your own home.

7. Soothe. When the person is agitated, it may help to do simple, repetitive
activities such as a massage or hair-brushing.

8. No crowds or confusion. Sit in the backyard.Take short trips. Go to less traveled
areas. Go at off peak times. Bring the outdoors indoors-open windows, Let the
sunshine in.

9. Compensate. Help the person with tasks that are too demanding. Don\'t put the
person in a position where demands will be made that he or she cannot handle.

10. Reassure. Let the person know that you are there and will keep him or her safe.
Try to understand that fear and insecurity are the reasons the person may \"shadow\"
you around and ask for constant reassurance
It is understandable that you may feel angry; but showing your anger can make the
agitation worse. If you are about to lose you temper try \"counting to ten,\"
remembering that the person has a disease and is not deliberately trying to make
things difficult for you.

11.Try to talk about feelings rather than arguing over facts. For example, if the
person with dementia thinks it is 1960 and she is 60 years old, go along with her.
Have a discussion about the sixties

12. Identify yourself by name and call the person by name. The person may not always
remember who you are. Never ask \"Don\'t you remember me?\"

13 Approach the person slowly from the front. Give him or her time to get used to
your presence. Maintain eye contact. A gentle touch may help.

14 Speak slowly and distinctly. Use familiar words and short sentences.

15 Keep things positive. Offer positive choices like \"Let\'s go out now,\" or \"Would
you like to wear your green or orange coat?\"

16 Ask simple questions If the person seems frustrated and you don\'t know what he or
she wants. Ask simple questions that can be answered with yes or no or one-word
answers.

17 Use gestures, visual cues, and verbal prompts to help. Try to break up
complicated tasks into simple segments; physically start doing what you want to
happen. For example, before going for a walk get out the coats, open the door, and
say \"Time for a walk.\" Set up needed supplies in advance for tasks such as bathing
and getting dressed; have a special signal for needing to go to the bathroom.

18 If a subject of conversation makes a person more agitated or frustrated, it may
help more if you drop the issue rather than keep on trying to correct a specific
misunderstanding. He or she will probably forget the issue and be able to relax in a
short while.

19 Most of all, take care of yourself. Look into, adult day care, respite care or
have a trusted friend or relative stay with your loved one for a while so you can do
something for yourself.

20 Eat healthy foods and encourage your loved one to do the same. During the summer
season, many fresh fruits and vegetables are available. Visit local markets during
off peak hours. After buying some fresh produce, .make some old family recipes
However, do not start an argument over food.

21 Make sure to attend a support group. There is one in your area. Contact your
local Alzheimer's Association if you need help finding one.

22 Join an online support group. Yahoo and MSN have them. Here is one you can join
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AlzheimersCaregiving/ or search for another one
more to your liking. You will get a lot of support from people who are going through
the same thing as you, .and you do not have to leave home

If you have a loved one with dementia, following these tips will make the end of
your summer more pleasant and less stressful.
Enjoy!

By Susan Berg author of "Adorable Photographs of Our Baby, Meaningful Mind
Stimulating, Activities and More for the Memory Challenged, Their Loved Ones
and Involved Professionals"
http://www.alzheimersideas.com
http://dementiaviews.blogspot.com


Web Site = http://www.alzheimersideas.com

Contact Details = contact
Susan Berg
Alzheimer\'s ideas
320 Newbury Street #1006, Danvers, Ma., 01923
508-843-2188
alzheimersideas@gmail.com