Alzheimer’s Caretaker Tips

What is Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)/ Dementia?

It’s a disease of the brain.

Large numbers of brain cells die.

The disease causes the changes, not the person.

Each person with AD may not have every problem.

A significant change in family balance and tranquility.

Personality and Behavior Changes

Good days & bad days. Increased sexual behaviors.

Easily upset. Worried.

Angry. Disconnected.

Pacing. Wandering.

Panicky. Hitting.

Hiding things. Loses hidden things.

Paranoia. Depression.

Communication Techniques

Encourage conversations. Give them time to respond.

Use good eye contact. Provide gentle touching.

Give simple instructions. Use their name.

Don’t use baby talk. Be aware of your body language.

Be aware of your tone of voice.

Caregiver Tips

• Ask for one thing at a time.
• Create daily routines.
• Reassure they are safe.
• Don’t argue with them.
• Don’t try to reason with them
• Try not to show anger or frustration.
• Give pacers room to roam.
• Use humor to redirect.

How To Distract

Listen to music.

Get them dancing.

Fold clothes

Rock a doll baby.

Set the table.

Encourage humming.

Take them on a walk.

Give them a healthy snack.

Referral to Physician

Refer to a physician when there are serious changes in behavior such as excessive hitting, biting, depression or hallucinations.

Resources From

^{Information taken from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Institutes of Health (Turning Discovery into Health) and National Institute on Aging. Publication Number: 12-6173, March 2010. Updated June 2012.}

^Instructor

^{Julie Woodworker Hubbs, M.S.}

^{Owner of Woodworker Life Coaching, Carmichael, CA}

Call:  916-572-6619     Email:  Julie@woodworkerlifecoaching.com   www.woodworkerlifecoaching.com