Holidays are traditionally a time for events outside of the home where caregivers might want to bring a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease. With some planning and flexibility, you can have a successful outing.
“Many times those with Alzheimer’s disease have a difficult time adjusting to a new environment,” said Tia Sauceda, executive director of the InnovAge Johnson Adult Day Program, a center Englewood designed for adults with memory loss. “Aging adults with different types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, can become disoriented and wander as a result.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6 out of 10 people with Alzheimer’s disease wander at some point. Adding or maintaining structure throughout the day can help lower the risk of wandering. In addition, Sauceda recommends:
• Be mindful when choosing the outing; be sure to take into consideration, the level of chaos and distraction that may be involved.
• Stay close and offer reminders as needed.
• Be aware of timing; don’t plan an outing that is too long or at a time that is traditionally hard for the person.
No single solution will work for everyone. Caregivers should experiment with different strategies to find one that works for the caregiver and the loved one with Alzheimer’s.
For more information about aging well, call InnovAge toll-free at 888-992-4464 or contact us by email at info@myinnovage.org. For more details online, visit us at http://www.myinnovage.org or join InnovAge on Facebook or Twitter.