What products have you found that are helpful?

Jackie_K · April 13

Hi all - just wondering what products or tools you have used that have made life easier for you/your LO?

As an example, someone on this forum recommended the HERO machine for dispensing medications, and it was a game changer for us. It sends a text to my phone if my mom hasn't dispensed her dose within 15 minutes of it being scheduled. It's not cheap, but we were really struggling before with medications, and this has helped put my mind at ease.

I also got her a clock that has the day and date (she was constantly forgetting this) along with a checklist of reminders that I could pre-program for her throughout the day (i.e., feed the dog).

These have helped my mom preserve some sense of independence for now, which has been so important for her as I know she is really grieving with each loss that has come with this horrible disease. Would love to hear what else is out there that has been helpful for others.

M1 · April 13

Jackie there are older discussions on similar topics that you might want to search. The thing is: these things work until they don't, and there's not a good way of predicting which will work for which individual. A medication dispenser can tell you when the pills are taken out, but it doesn't tell you that they are actually swallowed and not thrown in the trash or flushed down the toilet unless you are there or you have a camera that can confirm that they are taken. I got an "alzheimer's clock/calendar" for my partner when she moved into memory care, and all she did was unplug it and put it in a drawer. She still does that with anything that has to be plugged in (such as lamps, music players, etc.). Ultimately nothing works short of direct supervision. It's an agonizing, gradual loss of independence and function. So you may find some temporary solutions, but it's best to keep your expectations low. Sorry if I sound cynical.

Jackie_K · April 13

Thanks @M1 - I will search other threads to see what's out there. Totally get that these things are only temporary fixes, but until we're able to get my mom into a facility, I am looking for anything that might make things easier (for her and for us), even if it's only temporary.

She also unplugged the clock and told me she hated it, but when I was there a couple days later I saw she had plugged it back in. If she winds up not wanting it again, I'm fine with that as I know it's been helpful for her on some days.

My mom has never been resistant to taking meds, she just could never remember to take them, so the Hero works has worked well for us. I know this can change as her condition worsens, but for now it's what we've got!

dancsfo · April 13

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/205570#Comment_205570

As you search, take note of at least two goals. 1) PWD's well-being or happiness and 2) Caregiver's peace of mind. It's usually both, but the question is where it is more important.

The medicine dispenser probably fits into both categories. (well-being + you don't worry)

An easy to read clock probably prevents PWD from getting frustrated from not knowing today's day/date.

PWD-proofing a home (i.e. like child proofing) is both for caregiver's peace of mind and safety. (think of hiding away dangerous things, or maybe locking them away)

Hope5757 · April 14

Hi @Jackie_K,

We gradually found ourselves focusing on products to keep MIL safe when we were unable to watch her. By the time she came to live with us, she was already past the point of being able to cook for herself or reliably take her medication.

We found a rollator walker to be essential for outings. Medicare paid for hers.

Small light wheelchair is used for taking her to events that are crowded. We didn’t want anyone accidentally pushing her and used it last year for a ballgame and Christmas concerts.

Most recently because she sleeps in the only downstairs bedroom and woke up wandering and confused, we purchased a motion detector. The pager portion is in our upstairs bedroom.

We just purchased a Blink pan/tilt camera and a call button for similar reasons.

Padded underwear (disposable and washable) will likely be needed even if she isn’t truly incontinent. We found MIL wasn’t always able to make it to the bathroom in time. The best solution for us was to schedule bathroom breaks every 3 hours.

Waterproof pads for her chairs and bed. We haven’t needed these yet but I put them in her chair and bed since I don’t know when/if there’ll be an accident.

The absolute most important thing though was that I developed a relationship with MIL’s PCP. We found that this early relationship building resulted in the PCP trusting us. So, my spouse and I decided I’d be point man for any medical visits. That way, the family representative and messaging is consistent.

What products have you found that are helpful?

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