When Daily Tasks Become Frustrating

A person who has Alzheimer's Disease may become frustrated, agitated or agressive when he or she is having trouble doing once routine tasks.

Here are a few tips that can help reduce his or her frustration:

• Try to establish a routine to make each day more predictable and less confusing. Schedule the most difficult tasks, such as bathing or medical appointments, for the time of day when your loved one tends to be most calm and agreeable.
• Expect things to take longer than they used to. Schedule more time to complete even simple tasks so that you don't need to hurry your loved one.
• Allow your loved one to do as much as possible with the least amount of assistance. For example, perhaps your loved one can dress alone if you lay out the clothes in the order they go on.
• Try to limit your loved one's options. The fewer the options, the easier it is to decide. For example, provide two outfits to choose between — not a closet full of clothes.
• Try to use simple instructions. When you ask your loved one to do something, do it one step at a time.
• Try to reduce any distractions while your loved one is doing a task. Turn off the TV and minimize other distractions at mealtime and during conversations so that your loved one can better focus on the task at hand.