Alzheimer’s Resource and Research Foundation

Drinking enough fluids every day is very important for good health. Not getting enough fluids can increase one’s risk for complications such as dehydration and constipation, but getting persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to drink the recommended 6 to 8 cups of fluid each day can be difficult. At times, persons with AD will refuse […]

Visiting a friend or relative with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) whether in their home or in a care facility can mean a great deal to that person. But what to do during the visit can be a difficult question. Our traditional view of “visiting” someone is based on conversation, and among those with AD, conversational skills

Visits: Make regular visits to the family that is caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. Hugs: People with Alzheimer’s disease miss being touched. Be generous with hugs – for the caregiver also. Music: Tapes, music boxes Books and magazines: with lots of colorful pictures and old familiar scenes. Photo albums: Enlarged pictures of early

  Find people you can talk to for support and information. Join a dementia support group. Try not to blame yourself or the person with dementia. Talking to others will help you get through this. Contact your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter. Consider enrolling your family member in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Safe Return® Program, which helps

There are many practical strategies that caregivers can use when a person with Alzheimer’s disease is reluctant or refuses to bathe.  Here are some tips to consider: Evaluate the best time of day for bathing.  You should consider when in the morning or evening that your loved one is most relaxed.  This may require you

Drinking enough fluids every day is critical for good health. Not getting enough fluids can increase one’s risk for complications such as dehydration and constipation, but getting persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to take in the recommended 64 to 80 oz of total water a day can be difficult. Although much of the water that

Encouragement can be a key element to a successful meal. Sit close and smile to get the attention of the person you are assisting. Give necessary directions in simple phrases to guide her to eat and drink at meals. Provide a comfortable atmosphere by checking room temperature, providing good lighting, and using comfortable chairs at

When working with a person with Alzheimer’s disease, caregivers frequently find that adjustments in their approaches and expectations are necessary. Adjusting your approaches to the varying levels of assistance, mood, and behaviors of the person you care for may help you feel less stress and frustration. For family caregivers, there is a unique change that