A calendar is an excellent prompt to use with the Alzheimer’s patient. The calendar can help that person focus on an object they can touch and see that can help them register their days and help them focus as that ability to focus becomes more difficult. It can be very comforting to the patient.
A calendar reminds the patient of each day’s activities and helps them register what happened yesterday or in previous weeks. Using small store bought stickers or making simple drawings on important days helps remind the patient of family birthdays, anniversaries, appointments, etc.
A simple wall calendar or planner type calendar kept in the same place daily is recommended. It is important that the calendar be age appropriate and as plain as possible, Busy, colorful pictures or scenes are very distracting.
The calendar can prompt discussion with the caregiver and, sometimes, the patient may want to doodle or write on the calendar if he/she is capable.
By Marcia L. Kirk
Respite Center Coordinator Assistant
No comments:
Post a Comment