Find new ways to do things 281
Mental confusion
Some older people have difficulty remembering things or have difficulty
concentrating. For most people, this is not a serious problem. But some people
develop more serious problems with memory or thinking (Alzheimer’s disease,
dementia, senility) and eventually become so confused they no longer recognize
friends and family members. They can become very frightened and confused by
everyday things they used to know well.
An older person with Down syndrome may become confused more easily and
may start to have epileptic seizures.
Find new ways to do things
The changes that come with growing older may mean you will need to find new
ways to do things and to get other people to help you. And you may need to use
more aids, like a hearing aid, a walking stick, or a wheelchair. As you feel your
body begin to change, start now to find the best way to do things. Knowing what to
expect can help you take better care of your body and continue to remain as healthy
as possible as you grow older.
Seek assistance
If you find it is getting harder to do certain things, such as eating, bathing, dressing,
or getting up from lying down, show or explain to friends, family members,
caregivers, and to others you trust how they can help you. You might also arrange to
have a relative or friend come to live with you. For her assistance, the person will get
a place to live.
If you find you are forgetting things, it may help to make a list of the things you
want to do each day, and cross them off when they are done. Or each day talk with
your family members about things you want to do that day so they can remind you
of them.
Thank you, Antar, for
reading to me. My hands
are so twisted now, it’s
very hard for me to read
anything in Braille.
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007