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How to Make Alzheimer's Patients Feel at Home

How to Help Alzheimer’s Patients Feel at Home When They Forget 1. Make the Environment Familiar and Predictable Familiar surroundings reduce fear and confusion. Keep furniture in the same place Avoid frequent rearranging or moving rooms Use familiar blankets, pillows, and household items Display family photos and meaningful objects Even if they don’t recognize them, familiarity still brings comfort. 2. Create a Strong Daily Routine Routine replaces memory. Wake up, eat, and sleep at the same times every day Follow the same order for daily activities Keep transitions slow and gentle Routine gives a sense of stability when memory is unreliable. 3. Use Reassuring Communication Your tone matters more than your words. Speak calmly and slowly Smile, maintain eye contact Reassure often: “You’re safe here,” “I’m with you” Avoid arguing or correcting their reality Feeling safe is more important than knowing facts. 4. Surround Them with Comforting Sensory Cues The senses are powerful anchors. Play familiar or soothing music Use gentle scents they’ve always liked (lavender, vanilla, soap) Offer warm blankets or soft clothing Ensure good lighting to reduce shadows and fear Comforting sensory input creates emotional security. 5. Help Them Recognize the Space Visual cues make a big difference. Label rooms with words or pictures Place signs like “Bathroom” or “Bedroom” Use night lights for orientation after dark Keep important items visible These cues quietly guide them without pressure. 6. Encourage Meaningful, Familiar Activities Doing familiar tasks creates a sense of purpose. Folding laundry Setting the table Watering plants Listening to favorite radio programs Success in simple activities builds confidence and comfort. 7. Avoid “Testing” Their Memory Questions like “Do you remember where you are?” can cause anxiety. Instead of correcting, gently guide: “This is your room. Let’s sit here.” “You live here. You’re safe.” Reassurance helps more than reminders. 8. Address the Feeling Behind the Confusion If they say, “I want to go home,” they may mean they want safety or familiarity. Acknowledge the feeling: “You miss home. That makes sense.” Offer comfort instead of explanations Redirect to something soothing or familiar You’re responding to the emotion, not the words. 9. Use People as Anchors Even when places are forgotten, people can still feel familiar. Introduce yourself gently each time Wear name badges if needed Maintain consistent caregivers Familiar faces create a sense of belonging. 10. Be Patient — Home Is a Feeling For Alzheimer’s patients, home isn’t a place anymore. It’s: Safety Familiar routines Kind voices Gentle care When they feel calm, understood, and protected, they are home — even if they can’t say why.

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22 Mar 2023

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