I have NO training as a Caregiver and only a popular works education on Alzheimers and how the brain functions. But it seems to me that habit and muscle memory are the last things affected by Alzheimer and I have made that a core principle of caring for my mother. Using life long habits, routine, and muscle memory to provide her direction rather than instructing her on tasks.IS there any real research about this approach? I'd be interested also in hearing from others Who do this..
I agree that it's an attractive idea - saves an awful lot of arguing and repetition. We have devised little dance routines for things like transferring, and for getting into the car, which kind of work but only as a pas de deux - in other words, I still have to put her hands in the right places, so if she's trying to do things by herself or if anyone else (other than an experienced PT or OT) is helping, it's no go.
Don't know if there's any research. I'll have a look at the University of Bradford and see if they say anything.