Caregivers can reminisce with Alzheimer’s patients to boost memory
January 17, 2012
It can be surprising to some families when their loved one, who suffers from Alzheimer’s, recalls an old memory. However, technology has made it more of a possibility for this to happen more often, according to USA Today[1].
Videos taken on a mobile phone and digital photo albums can be a useful tool to trigger some memories in a patient.
However, Claire Day, vice president of constituent services for the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter, stresses that the caregivers must ensure that they do not shy away from routine when trying to stir up memories, as this can cause the senior to stress.
“If you’re a caregiver at home, you have to make dinner every night,” Day told the news source. “Maybe you have them [the patient] thumb through pictures while you’re cooking dinner.”
Those who have caregiving responsibilities to an elderly loved one with dementia may want to take advantage of other technology. Purchasing a medical alert system can allow the senior to contact emergency services in the event of a fall or injury. Falls occur more often than many caregivers realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one third of seniors over the age of 65 fall each year.
