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