Who among us lights up when we think about losing our independence? This word describes a powerful dynamic in the development of human qualities from birth to adulthood. Once established, we adamantly resist giving up any part of our personal independence, even when common sense suggests otherwise. For example, when my late sister lay in the hospital gravely ill with no possible means of taking care of herself, she begged us to take her home. This fantasy and longing for independence persisted until her death.

Is it unthinkable that a person with Alzheimer’s disease could live independently? Depending on the severity of the disease, independent living in its early phases may be possible. Even this approach requires wise decisions and close monitoring by designated persons due to the rapid changes that can occur.  Alertness and behavior can swing widely from day to day. It is important to monitor the loved one often.

When independent living is still an option, obviously the person is aware of his condition and can interact about the environment and assistance needed. When interaction is possible, the stress on the Alzheimer’s patient and the caring friend or family member is reduced.

The Alzheimer’s Association has prepared “10 Tips for Keeping Your Independence.” The following ideas are not quoted, but are heavily influenced by their article.  They are presented from the perspective of a patient or someone acting in his/her behalf.

1.   Use memory aids as prompters for essential activities:

·  Keep friends and family phone numbers in a familiar
   notebook, easy to find and use.

·  Post instructions about steps in using stove and washer-dryer,

   or performing other routine daily tasks.

·  Keep emergency numbers and instructions for dialing near the

   phone and in large, easy-to-read type.

2.   Engage regular services for help with:

·  housekeeping and yard care,

·  hygiene  needs,

·  grocery shopping and meal preparation,

·  doctor’s visits,

·  automatic payment of bills (the bank can help set this up),

·  social activities.

3.   Organize medicine in a 7-day caddy so the user can easily know what medicines to take and when. Some local pharmacies will be glad to assist with a system for administering medications. Write on a large calendar when the medicine should be taken.

4.   Plan ways to get transportation when it is needed. Sources include: friends, family, taxis, public transportation. In some communities special services for seniors or special needs individuals are available.

5.   Evaluate the living environment and make safety improvements such as adding grab bars where they are needed, removing loose rugs, highlighting steps, increased lighting, removing articles from walk areas, and putting necessities at a level to be reached without climbing.

6.   Enroll in the Alzheimer’s Association Medic Alert and Safe Return. When the time comes that care plans must be seriously adjusted, the Association’s Care Finder is the place to start. Go to www.alz.org for information about these services.

7.   Get rid of potential fraudulent calls and junk mail by registering on the “National Do Not Call List” and getting off junk mail lists. Catalogs may need to be discontinued to avoid unwise mail order shopping.

8.  Keep on doing things important to help the loved one stay involved to some degree of social interaction.  Adult day care may be a helpful service.

9.   Talk about the memory loss and how it affects the patient, family and friends.  Opening up to those closest to us can create a comfort zone which might otherwise be artificial and actually cause friends to avoid visiting or calling.

10.   Seek support for the one with early stage Alzheimer’s and the family, especially the primary caregiver. All are facing unknowns of enormous proportions.

I am an enthusiast for using local resources, and am convinced the best locator of such services is your Alzheimer’s Association.