Buttons and Bows

I encourage Gordon to select his own clothes, but make it easier by simplifying the number of choices. For example, offer two outfits to choose between, asking if he wants to wear a short sleeve shirt or a long sleeve. Some days he'll manage to get his pants on backwards and inside out - don't think I could manage that !
Choose washable, no ironing, comfortably loose clothing with solid colors or simple patterns. Gordon loves to wear cowboy shirts. Buttons, snaps, belt buckles and hooks are very difficult for him to manage. Pullover shirts (even if sometimes worn backwards) are easier. Elastic waistbands are great as are slip on or velcroed footwear.
Be sure to give out a compliment from time to time - "You look very handsome this morning".
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Medicare coverage for Alzheimer's disease

In the past, Medicare automatically denied coverage for certain medical services for people with Alzheimer's on the grounds that treatment wouldn't yield any improvement. Typically, these services were covered for other Medicare beneficiaries, but not those with Alzheimer's or another dementia. This situation changed in 2001. Now, people with Alzheimer's disease who are eligible for Medicare can be reimbursed for many services, including mental health care, occupational or physical therapy, speech therapy, and some home health care.

The policy change underscores that individuals with Alzheimer's disease can benefit significantly from these therapies. Many advocates believe that the coverage may enable people to live at home longer. For example, occupational therapy may improve a person's ability to dress or bathe himself, while physical therapy may steady a wobbly gait. Now, families who are interested in pursuing these services for a patient might not have to shoulder all the costs.

To find out more about Medicare coverage, call the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at 877-267-2323 (toll free) or go online.
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