Activities of Daily Living Flashcards

An Alzheimer's patient resists taking a bath. What is the most effective first approach?

Answer: Offer a choice between a bath or a sponge bath

Offering choices preserves dignity and reduces resistance by giving the person with Alzheimer's a sense of control.

Which technique best supports dressing independence in a person with moderate Alzheimer's?

Answer: Lay out one item at a time and give simple, step-by-step cues

Presenting one garment at a time with simple verbal cues reduces cognitive overload and supports remaining independence.

A caregiver notices a person with Alzheimer's is pocketing food instead of swallowing during meals. This behavior most likely indicates:

Answer: A swallowing difficulty that requires evaluation

Pocketing food is a common sign of dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) and should be reported to a healthcare provider.

To promote safe toileting for a person with Alzheimer's who has frequent accidents, a caregiver should:

Answer: Establish a regular toileting schedule every 2–3 hours

A scheduled toileting routine every 2–3 hours proactively reduces accidents while respecting the person's dignity.

Which environmental modification most directly improves grooming safety for a person with Alzheimer's?

Answer: Installing grab bars near the sink

Grab bars near the sink provide stability and prevent falls during grooming activities.

When assisting a person with late-stage Alzheimer's with oral care, what is the safest position?

Answer: Sitting upright at a 90-degree angle

An upright seated position reduces the risk of aspiration during oral care when swallowing reflexes may be compromised.

A person with Alzheimer's repeatedly puts on multiple layers of clothing regardless of the temperature. The caregiver should:

Answer: Redirect with a simple activity and quietly remove excess layers later

Redirection followed by calm assistance respects dignity and avoids power struggles while addressing the safety concern.