Mitzi says that one of the hardest things about her having Alzheimer’s Disease is that she always liked doing things and “being a helper” but it’s difficult for her to do a lot of things now. Taking verbal instructions can be very confusing to her, and her visual/spatial challenges make it hard for her to do many tasks. Often, it’s much easier for those around her to just do things for her, but you can only imagine what a toll that takes on her self confidence.
I love to give her small jobs that I know she can do, especially when I need to do other tasks that she would want to help with but would frustrate her. I found some deep, red plastic bowls that are perfect for her salads and, since they don’t break, I always ask her to wash and dry them after lunch. I wash any sharp knives but will also have her put away the clean silverware. She does a great job chatting with people. And wiping countertops and tables are great jobs for her to do. Sometimes, if I know she needs to be busy while I am doing something, I will sneak and throw 4 or 5 washcloths and kitchen towels in the dryer and turn them on. After a few minutes, I’ll ask her if she can help me take them out and fold the laundry. Seems like a silly thing, but it really does give her a lot of validation. She has thanked me many times for letting her help with things.
Positive reinforcement does wonders when it comes to combatting some of the hardest parts of Alzheimer’s…????
