Keep It Simple

I had an epiphany...

Muddear and i tend to argue about something silly on a daily basis. Okay maybe every other day. I recently realized that the source of our arguments (well some of them) result from my asking Muddear to complete what she believes to be a complex task. Putting on a nightgown or going to the bathroom are activities that people do everyday, multiple times a day. However, for the person with Dementia, it is not so simple. Having a diminished mental capacity, sometimes Muddear is unable to process activities that require more than one step to accomplish. She simply doesn't know what step should be done first to even start the task. This uncertainty turns into frustration. I believe Muddear knows that she should be able to complete the task, but cannot figure out how. Her frustration turns to anger and so the argument ensues. I have found that if I provide Muddear with step-by-step instructions, while inserting praise after the completion of each step, she is able to complete the task. Muddear has retained her sense of self worth and dignity and I have not become frustrated by another senseless argument.

Last night's example:

Action requested - Put on nightgown

Step by Step instructions:

1. Take oxygen out of your nose ("That's right")
2. Take oxygen off of your head
3. Unzip your duster and take it off ("Good job")
4. Put your gown over your head ("You've got it.")
5. Put your arms in the gown ("See I knew you could do it!")