As people with AD lose their cognitive abilities, they
experience the world through their senses:
- Touching (e.g., back rub, hand/foot rub, grooming
activities, etc.)
- Music (make sure it's the kind of music they enjoy!)
- Walks, sitting together, sharing meal
- Use your voice to soothe, e.g., read to them,
affirmations
- Create pleasant, reminiscent aromas (can use them as
cues, e.g., bath oils for bathing, fresh coffee brewing at breakfast
time)
- Use multi-sensory cueing (e.g., ask them if they would
like coffee while pouring it, so they can both see and smell it)
- Pets
- Muted decor, e.g., carpets, drapes, avoid busy
patterns, minimize glare from windows/lights, even lighting
- Spiritual connections (e.g., favorite prayers or Bible
verses, hymns, rituals, incense, etc.)
- Keep familiar, beloved items in visual field.
Also remember familiar, beloved sounds, smells.
- Use contrasting colors to items to be used (e.g.,
plate against place mat, colored toilet seat)
- Ask for their help with a task
- Limit distractions. Reduce clutter, confusion,
noise (e.g., TV too loud, glare from lighting, too many people, spaces
too big or small, mirrors)
- Keep room temperature comfortable (AD persons
generally run very cold)
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