1	Making Daily Routines Easier Living with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia
2	Area 9 In-home and Community Service Agency The mission of Area 9 In-Home & Community Services Agency is to assist older persons and disabled individuals of all ages in leading independent, meaningful lives in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. The Agency accomplishes this mission by establishing supportive services in each community to enable people to live at home, thereby avoiding premature or inappropriate nursing facility placement. The Agency has served people in Fayette, Franklin, Rush, Union and Wayne Counties sense 1975.
3	What are Activities of Daily Living? ADLs (activities of daily living): The things we normally do in daily living including any daily activity we perform for self-care (such as feeding ourselves, bathing, dressing, grooming and toileting), work, homemaking, and leisure. The ability or inability to perform ADLs can be used as a very practical measure of ability/disability in many disorders.
4	Bathing Make a plan this can reduce stress and confusion. Make sure it is the right routine: Shower or Bath: Morning, noon or night? Comfortable setting: water temperature, towels Explain as you go Be Flexible and make adjustments as needed to limit any uncomfortable feelings or frustrated.
5	Bathing continued Encourage independence. Give privacy to complete tasks. Check skin for rashes, sores etc Use appropriate products as directed to prevent skin issues. Use rubber mats, tub seats, grab bars etc as needed for safety.
6	Mealtime Attempt to eat at regular times. Vary Menu with texture, spice and color. Limit choices to help prevent confusion. Consider putting one thing on plate at a time to keep simple. Watch food temperatures. Limit distractions Eat together.
7	Mealtime Reminders Cut food into small pieces. Serve fiber to prevent constipation. Playing with food can be a sign of too much choice. Contrast food color with plate color. Avoid keeping non-food items out on counter i.e. dog treats.
8	Toileting Make bathroom easy to find. Watch for signals for need to use the restroom such as pulling on clothing. Schedule breaks as part of the daily routine. Clothes that are easy to get on and off. Be proactive when approaching night-time. Accidents are part of life do not over-react.
9	Dressing Routine is very important. Keep choices to a minimum. Use Verbal Cues to give independence. Do not rush the process. Be considerate of the person’s likes and dislikes. Accept change in ones likes and dislikes.
10	Dental Care Prepare the toothbrush prior to giving to the person with Alzheimer’s Disease. Try try again….if person doesn’t wish to participate consider alternatives like foam applicator or cloth with mouthwash on it. Do not force if refusal persists give it some time a re-approach later.
11	Sleeping Avoid long or frequent naps during the day. Exercise during the day it will help nighttime sleeping. Keep night lights on to help the Alzheimer’s person from getting lost during the night time hours. Limit amount of caffeine. Lock outside doors at all time to prevent wandering or consider disguising the door.
12	Helpful Safety Tips Remove unnecessary items that could be tripped over such as throw rugs. Lower temperatures on water heaters to prevent burning. Put away cleaning supplies. Consider turning stove off or unplugging it. Avoid rearranging furniture. Put away or remove any firearms, power tools or machinery that one could be hurt with or hurt others.
13	Above all else Maintain a good sense of humor. Be flexible. Be creative (look on-line if needed). Avoid unnecessary arguments. Ask for help. Take breaks. Make your health a priority.
14	Contact Information Area 9 Agency 520 South 9^th Street, Richmond, In 47374 765-966-1795 1-800-458-9345
15	Credits Information from the following: MayoClinic.com Alzheimer’s: Dealing with daily challenges Coping with Daily Challenges-For the Caregiver: Alzheimer’s-AOL Health
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