If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, it can be an automatic response to step in and take over a task in the belief that it is safer or easier or that you are helping to avoid a potential embarrassment for your loved one. However, taking over tasks that your loved one is actually capable of completing on his or her own can reduce his or her feelings of independence and self-worth. In the information below, we are addressing tasks relating to daily living.

Here are some tips and insight on how to help while promoting independence.

• Focus on doing things “with” rather than “for” the person.
• Observe and assess actual needs through interaction and observation, rather than what is believed the person needs. Assessing the situation can help you to identify and resolve problems and understand what is happening from the care recipient’s perspective. When observing, consider the following:
  • Are there visual or audible distractions that are causing confusion or agitation?
  • Are the mechanics of the task proving too difficult? What part of the task?
  • What is the emotional climate in the room?
  • Is the light too low or too bright?
  • Are there too many choices?
  • Is taste or smell an issue?
• Do not assume that your loved one cannot complete the task. Gauge his or her actual abilities first and be patient. If it takes longer or is more complicated than if you were to do it, what does that matter? Time to complete a task should not be a requirement.
• Sometimes you may just need to help get the task started, and then she can take it over on her own or you can help with a small part of the task. And, if she forgets mid-stream what she is doing, use visual clues to get back on track (calmly and lovingly).
• Break up a larger task such as preparing a meal or getting dressed into smaller, more manageable tasks that the person can accomplish with your verbal prompts. Even though the large task of making the meal or putting on all of the clothing may seem unmanageable, the person may be capable of doing individual tasks, step by step, and oftentimes with gentle prompting, not rushing the process.
• If your loved one seems confused about what to do, use “body memories” which are sensory prompts to help him or her start or complete an activity. Handing the person a fork at mealtime may prompt him to begin eating. Giving her a toothbrush with toothpaste on it in front of the sink may prompt her to brush her teeth. Putting a hairbrush in her hand and guiding her hand may prompt her to brush her hair.
• Non-verbal communication is very important. Use a “watch me” technique where you demonstrate the activity first and then let the person try it. If, at any time in any task there is agitation, step away from it and finish it later.
• Adaptation is a regular, recurring part of living with someone who has Alzheimer’s. Adapt activities to fit within a framework of the person’s abilities, finding a way that allows the person to do the activity without feeling like she’s a child who can’t be trusted. There is a respectful balance between promoting independence and ensuring well-being.
• It can be frustrating watching something being done slowly when you could do it quicker and easier yourself. But even if the person is struggling with a task, be patient, and avoid the temptation to take over. If you do, he or she may lose confidence and withdraw from engaging. Take breaks if necessary. Get away from the care responsibilities if patience is being tested and wearing thin.
• Speak in a way that you would find helpful if you were in his or her position, and above all, do not forget to offer praise, reassurance, tender touch and encouragement for attempting or completing a task.