How To Live Alone With Mild Symptoms of Alzheimer's

If you live alone and suffer from mild symptoms of Alzheimer's, you need to be aware of what you can do to improve your quality of life. You should also be aware of your symptoms and their progression, so your loved ones can help you stay safe while you're alone. Nothing can replace the benefits of a loving, supportive family, but being able to have time to yourself is just as important for many people. Mild symptoms of Alzheimer's don't have to prevent you from living alone in your own home.

Instructions

• 1

  Be sure you always have someone available who can provide assistance in a reasonable amount of time. Have copies of your family members' and neighbors' regular schedules, such as their work schedules or their children's activity schedules. Also, arrange for someone to call you or come by your house once or twice a day to make sure you don't need any assistance.

• 2

  Take extra precautions when it comes to home appliances. Avoid appliances that are particularly dangerous. If you feel confused when operating an appliance, avoid it when you're alone. Purchase appliances that have automatic shut offs whenever possible. Make sure the temperature of your hot water heater is low enough that the water cannot burn your skin.

• 3

  Increase your safety by signing up for a reliable emergency call system that gives clients 24-hour assistance. The emergency system can be as simple as a number you can call or as sophisticated as an emergency button that you can wear around your neck. Either way, it can provide you and your family with peace of mind. For further peace of mind, ask a neighbor to keep an eye on the house, and give him a spare set of keys. If your neighbor notices anything suspicious, he can enter the house and make sure you're okay.

• 4

  Get help with everyday tasks when you suffer from mild symptoms of Alzheimer's. Have a close friend, family member or neighbor assist you with daily chores, meal preparation and medication reminders. These tasks can often be difficult, confusing or dangerous for Alzheimer's patients. If food preparation cannot be done on a daily basis, consider a meals on wheels or other food delivery service.

• 5

  Keep items you use on a daily basis neatly and systematically organized. Your dresser drawers and closets should be easily accessible with clothes sorted according to color, season and style. Other items you use daily, such as a toothbrush or comb, should also be easily accessible.

• 6

  Make sure you have plenty of food items that can be prepared easily with minimal cooking for small meals and snacks. When you're alone, always use a microwave or toaster oven instead of a conventional oven. Food items that don't need to be cooked or refrigerated are ideal because they require minimal preparation and clean up.

• 7

  Have a friend or family member assist you with your personal finances. Mild symptoms of Alzheimer's can make things like bank statements and paying bills difficult and confusing. Consider signing up for direct deposit for any checks you receive, and sign up for automatic payments for your bills.

• 8

  Let a family member know if you feel a task you're performing primarily by yourself becomes too difficult with your mild Alzheimer's symptoms. Realize that it may be hard for you to recognize or admit when you need help as your Alzheimer's symptoms progress, so make it clear to your family members and friends that you appreciate everything they do for you and that they shouldn't hesitate to offer assistance when they think it's necessary. As your symptoms progress, you may not always be able to express yourself so clearly, so take advantage of it while your Alzheimer's symptoms are mild.

• 9

  Keep a list of emergency numbers readily available at all times. If you live alone in a large house or a house with multiple floors, post this list throughout the house and in places where accidents may occur, such as near the stairs, in the bathroom or in the kitchen. Have a portable phone or cell phone with you whenever possible. If you tend to forget where items you don't use frequently are located, write down where they're kept on the list you post around your house.

• 10

  Consider hiring outside help to keep you company and help you with daily tasks. A home care worker or care attendant can visit as frequently or infrequently as you'd like and can help with tasks ranging from doing laundry to ensuring you eat healthy meals to helping you into bed at night. The weekly or daily companionship will help you cope with your symptoms, and having a trained professional available to assist you can give you and your family added peace of mind.