Home Modification Resources

Booklet: Environmental Coping Srategies for Alzheimer's Caregivers

PART VIII. BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS: Boredom and Inactivity

As the disease progresses and the person becomes more impaired he/she is likely to lose the ability to devise activities and to keep him/herself busy.

Possible Underlying Causes:

Lack of stimulation; need for exercise; need for simplified activities; confusion; memory loss; lack of attention span.

As the disease progresses and the person becomes more impaired he/she is likely to lose the ability to devise activities and to keep him/herself busy.

Possible Underlying Causes:

Lack of stimulation; need for exercise; need for simplified activities; confusion; memory loss; lack of attention span.

Possible Modifications:

Activities that the person would enjoy and can accomplish based on past activities or interests. Make sure that they are based on an appropriate complexity suited to the person's abilities.
Activities that orient person to his/her surroundings (e.g., looking at picture album).
Activities that are simple, repetitive tasks (e.g., raking, sweeping, playing with cards and matching by suit or putting in piles).
Activities that are useful (e.g., setting table, putting socks together, watering plants, winding yarn).
Put on music or consider dancing.
Recreational activities (e.g., taking a walk attended by caregiver or walking around unattended in enclosed backyard that is secure).
The use of "Interactive art" such as sand paintings that move when you turn them.
Word and informational games that can trigger long term memory.

part viii