Get Started!
You can do this! Take one step at a time. Follow these steps to get started.
Moments We Relate To
“I set up a calendar in the kitchen for my husband. I carefully wrote down every appointment and event. I crossed off each day at bedtime, so he could always figure out the date. He still asked me every day what we were going to do! I became very frustrated with his repeated questions and he could tell.
Watching him, I realized that there was so much written on the calender, he couldn’t figure out what to read. So, I tried something differnt. I bought a small white board. Each day I wrote TODAY IS and the day of the week. Underneath, I listed the events for the day. This was much easier for Hank to figure out. Now he just checks the board each morning without asking me. What a relief!”
Sound familiar? Everyone goes through similar challeges, but the way we need to approach them may be different. Let’s get started finding your just right.
So, what’s next? How do I get started?
You can do this! We hope that the information we have provided has been helpful and has sparked some ideas for new things you can try at home. Here are the steps for getting started.
Written by Jennifer Brush, MA, CCC/SLP
What did your loved one love to do in the past? How did he or she enjoy spending time?
Write your answers out on a piece of paper.
“My mother enjoyed painting pictures, cooking, and taking care of her cat.”
Pick one interest and list as many tasks you can think of that are related to it?
- Planning a meal
- Making a grocery list
- Going shopping
- Washing and cutting fruits and vegetables
- Roasting the meat
- Setting the table
- Inviting others over
Of this list of tasks, which can be done at home or modified in a way so that they can be done at home?
- Give mom two choices of a menu
- Make the shopping list together
- Ask her to push the cart at the store while I pick out the food
- Peel the carrots while sitting down at the table
What supplies, signs and cues are needed to complete the activity?
- Grocery list with items, check off itmes as purchased
- Large print simple recipes to follow
- Written menu to remind the person what is being cooked
- Colorful placemat to work on while peeling the carrots.
Try it!
Be prepared with everything you need for the task. Set up a work area if needed.
Invite the person to join you.
Demonstrate the steps.
Step back and observe the person. Help only when needed.
Encourage the person and tell them they did a great job!
Make this part of your daily routine.
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.
Hand in Hand at Home
There are simple things you can do to transform your home into a supportive place that helps your loved one with dementia function better. We are going to show you just how to do it.
What is Dementia?
Dementia isn't a specific disease. Instead, dementia describes a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning.
Transforming Your Home
The best home environment is one that supports the abilities of the people living there.
Declutter
Understand the negative impact of clutter and take steps to improve the home environment.
Enhance Lighting
Simple changes in lighting can be made in the home to help your loved one function more independently and sleep better.
Support Memory
Create a memory center in your home to reduce confusion and foster wellbeing.
Communicate Effectively
Use a style of communication that is easier for the person with dementia to understand and follow conversations.
Understand Behaviors
Make sense of unexpected behaviors and learn how to prevent them.
Walking About
Tips for understanding and preventing walking about as well as information about how to choose a locating device.
The Power of Choice
Given them every opportunity to make informed choices about their care, leisure time, clothing, food and anything else that affects their life.
Power of Purpose
We all need a reason to get out of bed each day. People with dementia need to know their life has meaning and purpose.
Hiring Home Care
Learn how to ease the transition to additional care partners find out what questions to ask.
Self-Care
Advice for taking care of yourself, learning how and where to ask for help and scheduling breaks from caregiving.
Get Started!
You can do this! Take one step at a time. Follow these steps to get started.