Pasco County Update 

October 2013

Find a Walk Near You

JOIN US! Click on the links below to find a walk near you.

• Bradenton and Tampa Walks  /  October 5
• Sarasota, Sebring and Spring Hill Walks  /  October 12
• Naples and Pinellas County Walks  /  October 19
• Fort Myers and Sun City Center Walks   /  October 26
• Polk County (in Lakeland) and Punta Gorda Walks   /  November 2

A person in the early stages of dementia may withdraw from activities he or she previously enjoyed. Caregivers can help their loved one stay engaged by offering support and helping to encourage slight adjustments (e.g., choosing smaller social groups over larger groups, or choosing to paint abstractly verses realistically).   

As dementia, such as Alzheimer's, progresses, other adjustments may be necessary. If your loved one is beyond the early stages of dementia try using some of the following tips to help keep them engaged.

• Keep the person's skills and abilities in mind. A person with dementia may be able to play simple songs learned on the piano years ago. Bring these types of skills into daily activities.
• Pay special attention to what the person enjoys. Take note when the person seems happy, anxious, distracted or irritable. Some people enjoy watching sports, while others may be frightened by the pace or noise.
• Consider if the person begins activities without direction. Does he or she set the table before dinner or sweep the kitchen floor mid-morning? If so, you may wish to plan these activities as part of the daily routine.
• Be aware of physical problems. Does he or she get tired quickly or have difficulty seeing, hearing or performing simple movements?
• Focus on enjoyment, not achievement.  Find activities that build on remaining skills and talents. A professional artist might become frustrated over the declining quality of work, but an amateur might enjoy a new opportunity for self expression. For activity ideas join ALZConnected, our message boards and online support community. Every day, caregivers like you share new ideas and encourage one another.
• Encourage involvement in daily life.  Activities that help the individual feel like a valued part of the household - like setting the table - can provide a sense of success and accomplishment.
• Relate to past work life. A former office worker might enjoy activities that involve organizing, like putting coins in a holder or making a to-do list. A farmer or gardener may take pleasure in working in the yard.
• Look for favorites. The person who always enjoyed drinking coffee and reading the newspaper may still find these activities enjoyable, even if he or she is not able to completely understand what the newspaper says.
• Consider time of day. Caregivers may find they have more success with certain activities at specific times of day, such as bathing and dressing in the morning.
• Adjust activities to disease stages. As the disease progresses, you may want to introduce more repetitive tasks. Be prepared for the person to eventually take a less active role in activities.