I ordered a label maker that I hope will make life a little easier for me and my DH. He has an awful time finding anything from pot holders to his socks. The wall switches are especially challenging. Our bathroom, for instance has 5 wall switches: fan, heater, closet light, light over sink, light over shower. He pushes every switch until he finally gets the one he wants. Then the next time he is in the bathroom the whole procedure starts over again. I feel like I need to attack this issue - but would like to hear about some strategies that have worked for you. (Sometimes I think I need a big label glued to my forehead so he can remember my name!) Thanks.
thats not such a bad idea fsoulmate! ha. until they cant read anymore.:(
my DH hits every switch he finds. i dont think putting labels helps in our case, he LIKES to push them all. unless your spouse stands there to read the labels it may be work for nothing but give it a try on the ones that are most complicated for him. so many here have this issue where we turn one off and they turn it back on or viceversa. they get these little idiocracies that are hard to break. maybe he could learn better with a color coded label easier? good luck, let us know if it works. divvi
I agree with divvi. In my case, my DW lost her ability to read before she lost her cognitive ability to know where things were. Besides, I think it is good activity for her to browse through drawers and closets for something interesting.
But----I have read a lot of threads that tell about success with labels. But I think they should be big. Reading will get harder quickly. Good Luck, bill
If they read (say the words), can they comprehend? My hb has the most problems now w/TV remote. He just pushes any button any time. Found countless programs recorded many times which I've had to erase. Last night he was hung up on pay-per-view and adult shows. He's never ordered any of those, but one never knows; so I locked those channels out. Also added a password he doesn't know about. A year ago he had problems w/a catheter and how to operate it. Large print notes I printed and placed on wall by toilet had no affect. So, in our case, I won't label things. I'm finding the brain is a fascinating thing.
I worked as a speech/language therapist for years - all types of cases with limited language and comprehension. I would suggest skipping the written labels and go straight to the pictures. For complete details, go to the home page - www.thealzheimerspouse.com. Look on the left side where all the resources are, and scroll down to Memory Strategies and Communication Tips. Click on that, and scroll down to Later Stages - Spouses who cannot read. I realize your DH can still read, but the words are confusing, and eventually, he will not be able to read. Simple pictures work best.
Labeling might work for someone in the early stages of dementia. When my husband stopped flushing the toilet, I put a BIG note which read "Please Flush The Toilet" He still didn't flush. He could read & still can read somethings, however, As others have said, I don't think he could comprehend.
I tried the label maker - (excellent tool which has motivated me to organize my home office)! I labelled all of the switches that have given problems for my DH - especially the 5 in the bathroom. He IS using them. Hooray! He used to always get the fan and the heater mixed up (believe me when I say that you do not want the heater on this summer in TX). Also "shower light" vs "closet light". In the great room - "light over dining table" vs "light over fireplace"etc. As the AD progresses, no doubt the labels will be useless but until them I am happy with the results.
It works for us as well. In the earlier stages I did the label and the pictures. I did have to change to much bigger and bold print later. I am not sure if it is because I started so early or what...but even now he CAN still read the words. I found he did much better if I put his name in front of the word; Lynn's snacks, Lynn's socks etc.
It has been very helpful in the nursing home too. In the bathroom there are two exits, one for his room, one for another. He always got confused. I asked that they make him a sign for his door saying Lynn's Room on the door to his room and tada! now he never gets mixed up. Anything to make their lives easier is worth it, good luck and I hope it keeps helping :)