Reverse Engineering?

An elementary school teacher of mine had to put her husband in a nursing home because his Alzheimer's was too much for her to handle by herself. A few weeks later, she had to bring him home. He had taken apart the window in his room and was subsequently kicked out of the nursing home.

Here are a few suggestions for helping a "mechanically inclined" loved one who has Alzheimer's:

• When trying to understand odd behaviors like this, think about what your loved one liked to do or his or her professional work prior to his or her onset of Alzheimer's. For example, a carpenter is probably more inclined to take things apart than someone who was an avid reader. A devoted housewife is more likely to pace around the house than an avid TV watcher. The likely cause? Boredom.
• Try giving your loved one things to do that relate to their past activities.
• yard work
• housework
• a set of legos
• jigsaw puzzles
• laundry to fold

____________________________

Featured Gift: Cardinal Magnet