One of my clients is in stage 5 of ALZ, and usually I can handle her asking me when so-and-so will be coming back. I remain calm and just give her the answer, knowing that she'll be asking again in less than 5 minutes.

Would writing the information on a piece of paper that she can look at be worth a shot? I'm sure I'll still be bombarded with questions, but was trying to find some way to give her a better sense of security. She's still able to read and comprehend what something says.

Deb,
The only time I found writing something down was any help was when Bill would get angry because I didn't tell him something. If I wrote it on "his" pad, I could show it to him and he would back down.

I did write a list of things for him to do in the bathroom and put it on the mirrow. But he would always say he forgot to look at it.

You can give it a try. With mom it didn't matter she would still accuse us of not saying anything or telling her even when I could show that I had. She would just tell me that I had just written it down. I just have to take a deep breath and calmly answer her question, again.....

Deb,

I used to do that with Mom with stick it notes, and it seemed to help for awhile, but then she constantly asked why the stick it note was on the table. When I would tell her to read it, she would, and five minutes later, she would ask again.

I'd leave the note on the table, and if she would happen to pass the note again, she would read it like it was the first time. And then it would start all over again.

Just this morning I gave Granny Nanny a small microwave that was mom's when she lived alone. Laura's apt. had flooded and she was staying in a hotel, so I thought it would help her out to warm up some food.

Laura brought it upstairs, and put it on the counter. I plugged it in to make sure it was working, and put in a cup of vinegar and water to clean it out. For one hour, and I mean one hour, at least every 10 minutes, mom kept on saying "I don't remember having that microwave". God do I wish I hadn't told her it used to be hers!!! I left here at noon for PT, and forgot to ask Laura how much longer mom asked about it.

At one point I even told mom I made a mistake, and it wasn't her microwave. But she had it stuck in her mind by that time that it was her's, and it didn't work. She still kept on saying she didnt' remember having a microwave.

I did her nails for her this morning. Filed them down and gave them a coat of polish. She looked like Elvira!! She kept on lifting up her pointer finger that is bent slightly from arthritis, saying that all her mothers fingers were like that. That continued also for an hour.

I would definitely try to write down anything you can. I know when I used to write things down about me going out, it did work for awhile, so even if it does for a bit it will be well worth it. I would even try to have her write it down with your supervision if she'll cooperate with you. And if you don't want to use paper or stick its, try a small chalk board. Hey, I may try that myself. Just actually thought about that now.

Jackie

I used a dry erase board. One on the front door and one on the refrigerator. If I went to the store, I would write "Joyce went to the store she will be back at 2" I had to put the time because if I wrote one hour, he had no idea how long that was. All this was done when he was still able to stay alone.

If the kids called and ask for me he would tell them he didn't know where I was and they would tell him to go look at the note on the front door. It worked fine for awhile then I had to come up with something else. Like not leaving him alone.

You could try it but I am afraid it is just the nature of the disease. Anything is worth a try with AD though.

Thanks, everybody. I just don't want her to feel like she's being a pest when I'm with her.

Debra, I suspect she could be repeating out of frustration or boredom. Try instead of just answering to find ways of distraction that encourage her involvement----in the preparation----of so-and-so's visit. "She's coming tomorrow! We have lots to do before she comes. Let's..." ......look thru cake recipes, fold the pretty napkins, put fresh towels in the bath, dust, sweep, etc. We change a lot of pillow cases around here in case a visitor wants to take a nap. All the while, "So-and-so's going to like that. She's coming tomorrow!" Re-telling before she has to ask.

Putting it in writing? I say go for it with full creative force! Stimulating our LO's senses is always a good thing. After all, we ALL need visual reminders. It's just a challenge to find what may work, but never give up!

Index cards have worked best for my mom. She'd look right over something flat but an index card propped up--folded in half (like a tent) with her name on front--catches her eye. I've used them all throughout the house, placed here and there, room by room so she can "find" them herself. (For me, they're handy and easy to replace!)

The options are endless what you write inside. A simple to-do list to encourage activity in that room, or reassurance with a simple I'm here and I love you, or a thank you note for always helping, what-ever! With Mom's progression, I have even put some in little frames with "We are safe. We are home." She carries it around, will kiss it and put it in her pocket. I think that's good! And, it's always fun to say "Hey, Mom, what 'cha got in your pocket?"

I would definitely start with a cute card from so-and-so to your client, "Dear Name, I can't wait to see you tomorrow! I love you, Name." It's good for our LOs to get mail .... again and again.

Good luck!