I need help

Diseases & Conditions Alzheimer's Disease
1
Hello, My name is Laura and I am new around here. I have been working with ALzheimer patients for over 5 years at a hospital (short term facility) Now, my dream came true, and I am a Program Manager in an Alzheimer's Day care.
I need some help, because I want to improve my program, and I can't find material on the net about activities and ideas for them. I will really appreciate if somebody can help me.
 
On the other hand, even I am not a doctor (I am a paramedic) I know about meds, and treatements, I'll be glad to help as much as I can.
2
Folding clothes is a good one that many still enjoy,towels,wash cloths this type of thing.It depends on how far into the disease that are.

SnowyLynne

3
Thanks so much. I do that, but some of my patients in the day care are just in the first stage. I need something like groups, crafts and that kind of stuff.
4
Try card games like Solitary.Or tile game like Domino.

SnowyLynne

5
Being mentally cjallenged & having Alzheimer's are not the same thing.
Many who go to daycare think they are going to work,or helping others .You mention daycare,& they many times will refuse to go,daycare to them is for kids.If you don't believe me,join a board,sit back & listen.

SnowyLynne

6
I do know what I'm talking about.

SnowyLynne

7
Most people who have AD cannot learn,or understand,esp.when the daycare question is raised.In the case of EOAD the person does not need daycare,by the time the poor caregiver is ready the person is sundowning,attatched at the hip(so to speak)to his/her caregiver.
In the 70's or 80's a person is already exhibiting many signs of AD,goes into denial,refuses help,daycare or anything else.It's not as easy as you perceive it to be...

SnowyLynne

Post Edited (SnowyLynne) : 1/12/2005 6:49:06 AM (GMT-7)

8
Hi Laura,

I am new to the AD forum as well. You have the same question as me. It is hard to find appropriate activities. Dad and I made Christmas bells covering sections of egg trays in foil and then stringing them. He really enjoyed "helping me" make decorations for the family party.

He also enjoyed clicking on a computer program where each click opens a new detail to the picture. I plan to find more of those.

For Christmas, I took a picture of his cat and glued it on light weight cardboard, cut it out and boxed it. Made about three of these and he did put it together but think "some bugger cut up a picture". LOL

Would love to hear what others do for fun and crafts. BTW, he didn't like hiking - "the woods are really a mess and someone should clean them up". All the branches and such lying about the ground really bothers him.

Thanks Laura - great topic.

AlwaysRosie
Psalms 139

9
Laura and friends,

I forgot one. My brother made a colage of pictures from my dad's race days. He just took an 81/2 x 11 frame and laid one picture next to and over the next one and fit in all the snap shots he could find. Dad has showed me that picture 18 times already. I always say, "Yes I saw this - but who is that handsome race car driver" and dad smiles and tells me a story. Then I ask him where he raced and we begin to recall each race track. . . you catchin on? It gives them something to do w/any visitor. It really has been a boost for him. He can't remember any of his family now, not the names of any of his 9 children or his grandchildren - my mom is "that lady that boards here" - but he does remember some of his past jobs and hobbies. He even went and shot pool with my brother yesterday. I was surprised.

Please share what has helped your loved one.

AlwaysRosie
Psalms 139

10
Rosie,maybe he would enjoy jig saw online.I work puzzles sent to my e mail box every day...........

SnowyLynne

11
Snowy, where on-line did yo find them? do yo have a web-site?

sounds fun.

AlwaysRosie
Psalms 139

12
Thanks Snowy!!! I just found some puzzles at jigszone.com GREAT idea.
13
That's the one!!lol.

SnowyLynne

14
My mother is the same as your dad in away AR.she doesnt remember faces but she does remember and loves to cook .Of course I am with her when doing this
15
Laly I too worked (as a Reg Nurse) with ad patients...but i have to say that Snowylynne is right here they take offence to the term daycare ..they are not children and they dont like to be treated as such.