Activities of daily living, or ADLs, are every day activities such as eating, toileting and bathing most people take for granted, until a person can no longer perform the activities without assistance. A person with Alzheimer's generally requires help with ADLs during the middle stages of the disease--often after four years of the initial onset. It becomes important to assist with ADLs, only providing an Alzheimer's patient the required assistance, and not performing all activities for him.
Dining and Eating
Alzheimer's patient assisting with setting the table, polishing silverware or even assisting with serving food experience a feeling of productivity. Serve meals on colorful dishes with contrasting colors since Alzheimer's patients can't always differentiate between a piece of white chicken on a white plate. Opt for red or green plates where food becomes easily visible. The Alzheimer's Association recommends that family member minimize confusion by removing excessive décor items from the table. If agitation becomes an issue, use unbreakable glasses and dishware. If a person becomes unable to sit for long meal periods serve small calorie dense meals throughout the day. Use a variety of herbs and spices to flavor foods instead of salt. Do not feed a person if they can feed themselves--meal times may take longer; however, it remains important for a person to maintain independence as long as possible. Encourage fluids and liquids throughout the day. Alzheimer's patients present a greater risk for dehydration and urinary tract infections. Keep meal times as a social time. Play music, and discuss the day's events.
Bathing
Bathing and showering is one of the most personal activities of daily living. An Alzheimer's patient may feel his independence and personal space is being violated. Vocal outbursts, agitation, screaming and hitting can become common events. The person with dementia may not understand the necessity of bathing, the lack of modesty or have the patience to endure being cold after a shower states The Alzheimer's Association. Continue to encourage the Alzheimer's patient to perform as many tasks as possible from undressing, turning the water on and washing herself. Assist only when necessary for safety reasons. Prepare all items ahead of time. Turn the temperature on in the bathroom. Use large bath towels or robes to promote dignity and privacy. Encourage the person to be involved in the bathing process such as holding the washcloth or shampoo bottle. Play soothing music while showering or bathing to aid in distraction as well as relaxation.
Toileting
Toileting includes the inability for a person to find the restroom or know who to ask for help when the urge arises, as well as total urine and bowel incontinence. Incontinence may result from changes in medications, urinary tract infections or changes to the environment. Place large visual signs on the doors of the restroom for easy identification. Use a black toilet set instead of a white one to add visual contrast to the toilet. Place contrasting colorful rugs on the floor. Remove items that can be mistaken for toilets such as trash cans and houseplants. Create a toileting schedule; give gentle reminders every one to two hours for a dementia patient to use the restroom. Walk her to the bathroom if she becomes unable to locate it on her own. Assist her only if necessary. Always allow an Alzheimer's patient to maintain dignity. Never scold or show negative behavior if an episode of incontinence occurs. Reassure him a change of clothes is all that proves necessary to fix the situation. Always take a spare change of clothing when going on an outing in case an incontinence episode occurs.
