Anne (27) gets dressed. She tucks her T-shirt into her tight white pants. She laces her shoes tightly. Then she combs her hair, still a bit damp. She looks at the result in the mirror.
Anne (59 years old) gets dressed in the bathroom. Caregiver Laurence checks that her pants fit properly and, more importantly, "not too tight." Then follows a brief conversation about her weight. Laurence combs Anne's hair.
Anne (62 years old) sits on a chair in the bathroom, adjusting her bra. She looks around. Caregiver Manon hands her a green T-shirt. She pulls it over her head and puts her arms through the sleeves. Manon straightens the shirt and then helps her put on the green sweater. Anne puts the glasses on her nose herself.
For someone with dementia, general daily activities become increasingly difficult. The decline in daily skills is a key aspect of the brain disease Alzheimer's dementia. This is reflected in a general slowing down of thinking and actions. Movements often become stiff and clumsy. Daily activities may become more manageable if the person receives more time during support or care.
The case “I am Anne” explores Anne’s life story and the onset of her dementia, including early signs such as getting lost. It also provides important context for the other cases; therefore, it is recommended to watch I am Anne again.
Share this case with others
You can react in different ways when you see someone with dementia looking confused: how do you do that again? This creates fear and uncertainty, but also misunderstandings and annoyance in those around you. You have to ask yourself whether you're focusing on development or experience, and whether that's still comfortable for the person.
What works and what does not varies from person to person and from moment to moment; outcomes are often unpredictable.
As a professional or informal caregiver, you are responsible for finding the most appropriate approach. Along the way, you will frequently encounter questions, often with ethical implications.
Want to know more about decreasing skills? 'The caregiver’s companion to intellectual disabilities and dementia: 100 real-life questions and answers' will be released soon. For now, it is available in Dutch.
