In honor of National Alzheimer's Awareness month in November, Patty Hietpas, with Right at Home, joined us on Wisconsin Tonight, giving tips for viewers on how to cope and deal with loved ones who have Alzheimer's.
Warning Signs:
• Difficulty performing familiar tasks/locating familiar places like a bedroom or bathroom.
• People with dementia often find it hard to plan or complete everyday tasks. Individuals may lose track of the steps to prepare a meal, place a telephone call or play a game. What's normal? Occasionally forgetting why you came into a room or what you planned to say
Changes in personality
• The personalities of people with dementia can change dramatically. They may become extremely confused, suspicious, fearful or dependent on a family member.
• A desire to “go home” even when already at home.
• The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, a disorder that results in the loss of brain cells.
• Alzheimer's is a disease; Dementia is a symptom
Dementia doesn’t make clients difficult, it’s the situations they are put in that can make things more difficult.
Treat them just as you would anyone else.
• Ask questions to engage- not to test.
• Talk TO the person not about or around them
Be kind, encourage them instead of commanding them
