Harriet Hodgson freelance nonfiction writer says that a forgettingillness does not suddenly end a person's capacity to experience
love or joy,nor does it end her ability to laugh. According to her the memory carefacilities have activity programs to keep residents connected with life. Awell-planned program focuses on enjoyment, involvement, past work/skills,favorite things, and stages of disease, according to the Alzheimer'sAssociation. Harriet puts forward the following points:She asks whether a
person’s lovedone participate fully? If participation is minimal figure out which activitieshe or she is ignoring. She says that the lack of participation tells you a lotabout your loved one's interests, motivation, and health.She enquires further how is aperson’s loved one's health. He or she may have arthritis, asthma, or requireoxygen. She says that a slight hearing loss can turn into a significant one. Accordingto her the vision problems add to the confusion of memory disease. She suggeststalking with the physician, head nurse, and social worker to get a clearpicture of your loved one's health.Harriet quires whether it is afatigue a problem? A person’s loved one may be so short of breath that he orshe stops often to rest. Even with a walker one’s loved one may be unsteady.Getting in and our of a car is difficult and tiring. One’s loved one may fallasleep easily. If these examples sound familiar it is time to cut back onactivities that require physical effort.. She continues asking whether a person’s loved one still enjoy theactivity? Dad loved to come for Sunday dinner and now he is reluctant about it.He eats like a bird, glances around nervously, and keeps looking at his watch.The minute dinner is over Dad says, "I want to go." Clearly, Dad isnot enjoying dinner. Instead of dinner at your place you may go to his.5. Are memory joggers working? Memory joggers -- reminder notes andcalls, signs on cabinets, step-by-step instructions -- can act as "amemory substitute," according to www.alzheimersdisease.com. But the memoryjoggers that worked before are not working now, an indication that your lovedone's disease is worse. This is the time to cut back on
activities.Cutting back on activities does not mean you eliminate all of them. TheAlzheimer's Association says activities can enhance a person's sense of dignityand self-esteem. Keep the activities your loved one enjoys most and continuethem as long as possible. Your reward will be a smile.