Our Daily Routines Notebook

Confrontations occur on a daily basis because your Alzheimer's loved one doesn't like change in routine or what he or she believes to be a routine. Rather than saying, "Well, we are doing it this way now" or "Let's just get this done", it is better for both of you if you have a plan. Try using a notebook and label each page with something that you do on a regular basis such as, Take a Bath, then number it and write down the steps that are taken when it is time for a bath. For example: • get clean clothes ready, • run water in the tub or shower, • get shaving things ready, • get pretty smelling powder ready or after shave, etc. This way the routine is set and your loved one can see it is something that will not change. If something needs to be changed, show your loved one the list and tell him or her, you need to add or subtract something. Try asking your loved one where he or she would like to see it changed. This way it becomes your loved one's decision too and a lot less stressful on you.