SIMPLIFY ACTIVITIES
- Reduce the number of choices.
- Respect the person’s likes and dislikes.
- Encourage the person to continue self-care as long as possible but be realistic about ability.
- Make sure the person’s wardrobe suits his or her needs.
- Reduce and simplify grooming tasks.
- Plan menus for a week or two at a time.
- Encourage the impaired person to help with household tasks when possible.
STRUCTURE ACTIVITIES
- Observe your days.
- Collect your notes and analyze them; look for patterns in the day.
- Set up a schedule.
- Plan ahead how you will handle those events which occur fairly often but not daily (i.e. Doctor appointments)
- Keep a backup plan in case the planned activity doesn’t work out right.
- Keep a written list of simple diversions you can use if you need to distract the impaired person.
SUPERVISING ACTIVITIES
- Be prepared to supervise even very personal activities.
- Be prepared to ban most dangerous activities (i.e. driving).
- Be prepared to have the impaired person resist your efforts.
- Be prepared to seek help in supervising the person’s activities, around the clock if need be.