| Regular well-established routines and stable | | | | be done as a last resort as it will deprive |
| familiar surroundings can help in the care of | | | | them of the last precarious hold on reality |
| an Alzheimer's sufferer and keep the symptoms | | | | and independence. |
| of disorientation to a minimum. | | | | |
| | | | The busy bustling environment of a hospital |
| Care givers and professionals believe that | | | | can become frightening and confusing and make |
| Alzheimer sufferers are much happier in their | | | | a patient appear as if they their condition |
| own environment for as long as it is possible | | | | has suddenly deteriorated. |
| to keep them there. | | | | |
| | | | This can lead carers and friends to blame the |
| Once they are moved to a strange environment | | | | hospital for the fact that their relative or |
| their acute confusion becomes much worse and | | | | friend appears so different, but it's usually |
| more apparent to often distressed relatives | | | | because the patient has been able to mask |
| and friends. | | | | their fading memory and skills in the comfort |
| | | | of familiar surroundings. |
| It is vital that absolutely nothing is moved | | | | |
| or changed around the home as moving a single | | | | When torn out of their comfort zone their |
| piece of furniture can disorientate them and | | | | problems become frighteningly apparent. |
| make their confusion worse. | | | | |
| | | | They not only become tearful and depressed |
| However, if their routine continues | | | | but can also become incontinent and refuse to |
| undisturbed, they will be able to function | | | | eat. |
| normally and remain continent, eat, go to bed | | | | |
| and care for themselves within the comfort of | | | | This is why home visits for people suffering |
| a familiar pattern. | | | | from Alzheimer's are so important to ensure |
| | | | that have resettled safely into their home |
| This is why admitting someone with | | | | routines and environment after a necessary |
| Alzheimer's disease to hospital should only | | | | stay in hospital. |