Keep an Observation Log

From Health 24.Com:

To help the doctor keep track of how your loved one is doing, use an observation log. Before an appointment with their doctor, fill out an Observation Log based on your most recent observations of your loved one.

The Observation Log gives your doctor an update of your loved one's condition quickly, to make the most of your office visit. It will also help your doctor measure how effective the current treatment is, and decide if any adjustments are necessary.

Place a check mark in the appropriate column to inform the doctor of changes observed in your loved one since the last visit or last dose adjustment. At the bottom, do the same to indicate how these changes have affected you. If not applicable or if you cannot assess, check "No change."

NOTE: No change, improvement, or even minimal decline are all positive signs of treatment effectiveness.

Create a simple chart with the following headings and information:

Daily Activities: No Change Slight Change Significant Change

Bathing, using bathroom,

grooming, dressing

Eating habits, manners

Sleeping patterns

Ability to use household

appliances

Behavior: No Change Slight Change Significant Change

Motivation to do things,

general mood

Cooperativeness

Anxiety level, restlessness

agitation, pacing

Social: No Change Slight Change Significant Change

Participation in

conversation, recognizing

family / friends

Engaging in social activities,

interest in hobbies and

leisure activities

Thinking/Memory: No Change Slight Change Significant Change

Remembering names/events,

ability to find appropriate

words

Keeping track of time,

awareness of environment,

ability to follow instruction

Impact on Caregiver: No Change Slight Change Significant Change

Depression, inability to

cope, anger/frustration

with loved one

Inability to sleep through

the night

Interference with your

ability to work or participate

in social activities.

There are many services available to the community that assist with caregiving tasks. Contact Elderwood Senior Care for a list of services they provide (716)633-3900.

The Alzheimer's Association can provide a list of services and organizations in your area that provide assistance to the memory impaired. Please contact them at (716)626-0600.