Caregiving for Alzheimer's Patients (Cont.)

Caregiving for Alzheimer's Patients: Communication

• Choose simple words and short sentences and use a gentle, calm tone of voice.

• Avoid talking to the person with Alzheimer's disease like a baby or talking about the person as if he or she isn't there.

• Minimize distractions and noise -- such as the television or radio -- to help the person focus on what you are saying.

• Call the person by name, making sure you have his or her attention before speaking.

• Allow enough time for a response. Be careful not to interrupt.

• If the person with Alzheimer's disease is struggling to find a word or communicate a thought, gently try to provide the word he or she is looking for.

• Try to frame questions and instructions in a positive way.

Caregiving for Alzheimer's Patients: Bathing

• Plan the bath or shower for the time of day when the person is most calm and agreeable. Be consistent. Try to develop a routine.

• Respect the fact that bathing is scary and uncomfortable for some people with Alzheimer's disease. Be gentle and respectful. Be patient and calm.

• Tell the person what you are going to do, step by step, and allow him or her to do as much as possible.

• Prepare in advance. Make sure you have everything you need ready and in the bathroom before beginning. Draw the bath ahead of time.

• Be sensitive to the temperature. Warm up the room beforehand if necessary and keep extra towels and a robe nearby. Test the water temperature before beginning the bath or shower.

• Minimize safety risks by using a handheld showerhead, shower bench, grab bars, and nonskid bath mats. Never leave the person alone in the bath or shower.

• Try a sponge bath. Bathing may not be necessary every day. A sponge bath can be effective between showers or baths.