The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book)

by Nancy L. Mace

Anything that helps remind the person who has dementia about what is going on, such as following familiar routines, leaving things in familiar places, and having written instructions (for people who can manage them), can help to reduce catastrophic reactions. Because catastrophic reactions are precipitated by having to think of several things at once, simplify what the person has to think about. Take things one step at a time, and give instructions or information step by step. For example, when you help a person bathe, tell the person one thing at a time. Say, “I’m going to unbutton your shirt” and then reassure him, “It’s all right.” Say, “Now I’m going to slip your shirt off. That’s fine. Now take a step up into the tub. I will hold your arm.”