When someone starts to lose a sense of reality due to Alzheimer’s or dementia, they are desperate to get reoriented. They want to know what day it is, what season it is, what the weather is like outside, what holiday is coming up, and what’s going on in the world. Reality orientation is a path to helping your loved one stay in the here and now.

How can this be accomplished? Buy your loved one a large clock and place it in a prominent position in his or her home to help with time orientation. The same can be done with an over sized calendar. Mark off each day with a big X so your loved one stays in touch with the passing of time. I often go further and create a large bulletin board that monitors the day, the season, the weather, the next holiday, and loved ones’ birthdays.

If your loved one used to get the newspaper every day, bring in a large print paper so he or she can see the date and the news. This should lower his or her daily confusion level while heightening his or her sense of independence.

It’s also important to tell your loved one what’s happening and where he or she is going. I’m talking mostly about doctors’ appointments and social outings. It’s much more empowering to keep your loved one involved in the plans or your loved one could become belligerent and more confused. These considerations can help your loved one connect the dots and fill in the holes in the new daily reality. It’s one of the most important tasks you can accomplish as a caregiver.

Resources from AGIS.com:
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Section
Reality Orientation

Caregiver’s Guide to Understanding Dementia Behaviors
Caring for Someone with Dementia

Filed under: Alzheimer's, Doctor Marion, Expert