Fear Of Stairs: Alzheimer's and the Challenge of Stairs

Lets Talk About Dementia

Podcast Show Notes: My Dementia Road Trip with Angela

Episode Title: Navigating Walking Challenges in Alzheimer's and Dementia

Host: Angela, caregiver for both parents with Alzheimer's and dementia

Summary:

In this episode, Angela delves into a specific challenge faced by individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia—walking issues related to visual perception. Drawing from her personal experience caring for her parents, Angela shares the difficulties and solutions she has encountered in managing these walking fears.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Introduction to Walking Issues:

• Angela introduces the topic of walking issues in Alzheimer's dementia, particularly the fear of the ground.
• Common perceptions include shiny floors appearing as water, dark rugs as voids, and patterned surfaces as moving entities.

1. Personal Experience with Visual Perception Challenges:

• Angela describes her personal experiences with her mother’s fear of the staircase in their old property.
• The challenge of curved stairs and how it causes her mother to become petrified.

1. Strategies and Solutions Tried:

• The use of hazard tape to outline the edges of stairs, which unfortunately did not work.
• Consideration of stair lifts, acknowledging the limitations due to the age and design of their staircase.
• Physical assistance, such as carrying her mother down the stairs or guiding her step by step.

1. Adapting to the Environment:

• Suggestions to cover problematic flooring with solid-colored, pattern-free carpets to mitigate visual confusion.
• Angela shares her approach of accompanying her mother down the stairs to provide reassurance.

1. Understanding and Reassurance:

• Emphasis on understanding the perspective of those with Alzheimer's and dementia.
• Angela’s message to caregivers: accept the fears as real, provide reassurance, and adapt to the needs of those in their care.

1. Final Thoughts and Encouragement:

• Angela encourages other caregivers, acknowledging the challenges but also highlighting the importance of patience and adaptation.
• Reiteration of the importance of getting into the mindset of those with Alzheimer's to alleviate stress for both the patient and caregiver.

Conclusion:

Angela wraps up the episode by emphasizing that the unpredictable nature of Alzheimer's and dementia requires ongoing adaptation and reassurance. She encourages listeners to stay strong and compassionate, reminding them that their efforts are invaluable.

Takeaway Message:

Understand the fears experienced by those with Alzheimer's as real, provide constant reassurance, and adapt your strategies to ensure a safer and less stressful environment for them.

Contact Information:

• Host: Angela from My Dementia Road Trip
• Website: www.mydementiaroadtrip.com
• Email: [e-mail]

Additional Resources:

• Articles and books on managing Alzheimer's and dementia
• Support groups for caregivers
• Tips for creating a dementia-friendly home environment