10 Tips for Keeping Your Independence

Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org

 Alzheimer’s disease is always changing you. One day you may be able to do something and the next day you may not. However, you can continue to live independently during the early stages of the disease by making simple adjustments, taking safety precautions and having the support of others.

 1)    Get help with daily tasks. Give yourself more time and less hassle by using services that can take care of everyday activities like shopping, cooking, bill paying and housekeeping. You could also ask a friend or relative to help with these tasks.

• Get meals or groceries delivered to your home. Also consider stocking your freezer with microwave meals.
• Use a lawn service to do yard work.
• Ask your bank if they provide services to help pay bills and keep track of your accounts. Or, have bills paid directly from your checking or savings account.
• Hire an agency to vacuum, dust, mop and do laundry.

 2)    Use memory aides. Labels, lists, notebooks and sticky notes can help you cope with memory loss.

• Label drawers to help you find things.
• Keep important numbers by the phone.
• Post reminders to lock doors or shut windows.
• Have step-by-step instructions on how to work appliances or complete routine tasks.

 3)    Take safety measures. Make home safety improvements, such as installing grab bars in the bathroom to minimize falls. Use appliances that have an automatic shut-off feature. Enroll in MedicAlert and the SafeReturn program through the Alzheimer’s Association.

 4)    Plan for your future. At some point, it will become too difficult to live independently. Make plans now for your future care so your family can honor your wishes.

 5)    Take your medications as prescribed. Taking your Alzheimer’s meds can help minimize symptoms. Consider using a pill box to help you organize medications. Ask the pharmacist or a family member to place pills in the pill box for you. Write down the times to take your medicine on your calendar or other highly visible place.

 6)    Have a plan to get around. If it is no longer safe for you to drive, there are other ways to get where you need to go. Ask family and friends for a ride. Take taxi cabs or other public transportation. Some communities offer free services for seniors and those with special needs.

 7)    Protect yourself from solicitors and potential fraud. Do things that will limit solicitors calling you on the phone or sending you mail. Get your phone registered on the “national do not call list.” Consider getting Caller ID so you know who is calling you. Stop unwanted junk mail by taking steps to get off mailing lists.

 8)    Stay active. Continue doing hobbies you enjoy. Whether it’s gardening, dancing, painting, volunteering, playing sports or card games, you will benefit from the mental and social stimulation.

 9)    Talk to friends about your memory loss. Your friends may not know how “to be with you” after you disclose your diagnosis. Put them at ease. Talk about it openly and allow them to ask questions. You will get their support and understanding.

 10)  Get support. Get in touch with your local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association for information and support.

 

 JUNE 2010