As Alzheimer's disease (AD) progresses, some patients may develop behavior changes that can be trying for everyone. These behaviors include the following: wandering; combativeness; distractibility; losing, hoarding, or hiding possessions; and fixating. In some cases, these behaviors slowly emerge over time and worsen during the three stages of AD.
All behaviors need to be managed when they lead to the following:
• Danger to the person with AD or caregivers.
• Potential or actual harm to the person with AD or caregivers.
How to Manage Wandering
Wandering, which often involves getting lost, is common among AD patients. You can better manage wandering:
• Writing directions and reminders onto note cards that can be carried in a pocket. For example, at the top of one card, you might write "call home," and your phone number.
• Buying the senior an identification bracelet with vital information including the words "memory impaired" on the back.
• Registering the senior in Project Safe Return, sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association.
• Providing verbal orientation and reassurance, as well as visual cues (e.g., signs for the bathroom, night lights).
• Introducing exercise into the daily activity plan.
• Installing locks that are difficult or new.
• Consulting with a doctor about the use of medication.
• Considering assisted living placement if the wandering becomes completely unmanageable.
How to set up a safe home
Creating a safe environment for those with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is very important to their well being. Anything that could cause physical harm (e.g., burns, cuts, scrapes, falls, poisoning) will need to be removed, deactivated, or put away.
Take a walk through your home:
• Remove clutter from hallways and stairs.
• Lower the temperature on the water heater and install scald prevention faucets.
• Install gates at the top of stairs, sturdy handrails along staircase walls, and grab bars in the bathroom near the toilet and in the tub area.
• Install security locks on windows and sliding doors.
• Remove furniture with sharp edges and replace rocking chairs or recliners with sturdier seating.
• Lock away dangerous objects (e.g., power tools, knives, razors) or chemicals (e.g., insecticides, gasoline, solvents).
• Control use of kitchen appliances; remove stove knobs or ask the local utility company to install a switch to control burners.
• Do not wax floors or use rugs that slip.
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can be challenging. At Sunrise Senior Living communities, our compassionate and well-trained associates can offer advice about how to meet the needs of your senior as well as offering caregiving tips. In addition, we offer support groups for caregivers at many of our locations.
Reprinted with permission from Janssen Pharmacuetica.
Sunrise does not endorse Janssen Pharmacuetica or any product or service offered by Janssen Pharmacuetica. This article is presented for informational purposes. This article does not provide medical advice and is not intended to substitute for professional healthcare treatment. Contact your doctor if you have any questions about your medical condition.
