How to Help a Person With Alzheimer’s Polish Shoes
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How to Help a Person With Alzheimer’s Polish Shoes

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease that affects the brain, causing memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with daily tasks. As the disease progresses, it becomes increasingly challenging for individuals to complete simple tasks, such as polishing their shoes. If you have a loved one or friend who is living with Alzheimer’s, you may want to help them maintain some sense of independence by assisting them with tasks like shoe polishing. In this article, we’ll discuss how to help a person with Alzheimer’s polish their shoes in a simple and easy-to-understand way.

1. Understand the challenges of Alzheimer’s

Before jumping into the process of helping a person with Alzheimer’s polish their shoes, it is essential to understand the challenges they may face. Alzheimer’s affects memory, reasoning, and judgment, which can make it difficult for an individual to follow through with tasks and remember the steps involved. It may also cause confusion and frustration, making it crucial to approach the task with patience and understanding.

2. Gather necessary materials

To help a person with Alzheimer’s polish their shoes, you will need a few materials. These include a shoe polish of their choice (cream or wax), a soft cloth, a shoe brush or soft-bristled toothbrush, and newspaper or an old towel to protect surfaces from any spills. It is also helpful to have a designated shoe polishing area with good lighting to make the process easier.

3. Prepare the shoes

Before starting the polishing process, it is necessary to prepare the shoes. Remove any laces or inserts and wipe off any dirt or debris from the surface of the shoes using a soft cloth.

4. Demonstrate the process

The best way to help a person with Alzheimer’s polish their shoes is by demonstrating the process first. Show them how to apply the shoe polish to the surface of the shoes using a small amount on the cloth or brush. Demonstrate how to rub the polish in a circular motion and then let it dry for a few minutes.

5. Encourage them to participate

Encourage the person with Alzheimer’s to participate in the process as much as they can. Allow them to apply the polish to the second shoe while you supervise and guide them through the steps. This will give them a sense of accomplishment and help maintain their independence.

6. Use simple instructions and prompts

When assisting with the shoe polishing process, it is crucial to use simple instructions and prompts. For instance, you can say, “Take the cloth and put a little bit of polish on it” or “Rub the polish in a circular motion.” Avoid using complicated terms or giving multiple instructions at once, as this can be overwhelming for someone with Alzheimer’s.

7. Be patient and offer reassurance

As mentioned earlier, Alzheimer’s can cause confusion and frustration. It is essential to be patient and offer reassurance throughout the shoe polishing process. If your loved one or friend gets confused or makes a mistake, gently guide them back to the task and remind them of the steps involved.

8. Finish off by buffing the shoes

After the polish has dried, use a shoe brush or soft-bristled toothbrush to buff the shoes in a back-and-forth motion to remove any excess polish and give them a shine. You can also use a soft cloth for buffing if a brush is not available.

9. Clean up together

Once the shoes are polished, make sure to clean up together. Help the person with Alzheimer’s put away the materials and return the shoes to their designated spot. This will give them a sense of completion and accomplishment.

10. Reinforce positive feelings

Lastly, remember to reinforce positive feelings throughout the process. Praise and thank the person for their efforts, regardless of how well they did. This will encourage them to continue participating in tasks and activities despite their condition.

In conclusion, helping a person with Alzheimer’s polish their shoes may seem like a simple task, but it requires patience, understanding, and empathy. By following the steps outlined above, you can make this task more manageable and help your loved one or friend maintain a sense of independence and accomplishment. Remember to be patient, offer reassurance, and reinforce positive feelings throughout the process. With your help and support, they can continue to stay active and engaged in daily tasks despite their condition.