Wc. Mann et al., CHANGES OVER ONE-YEAR IN ASSISTIVE DEVICE USE AND HOME MODIFICATIONS BY HOME-BASED OLDER PERSONS WITH ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE, Topics in geriatric rehabilitation, 12(2), 1996, pp. 9-16
A sample of 19 older persons with Alzheimer's disease was followed for
I year. Significant changes were found in mental and physical status
and use of assistive devices. As subjects' physical and mental status
declined, they tended to stop using devices to assist with cognitive i
mpairment, and more devices were used that assisted the caregiver, suc
h as lifts and wheelchairs. A number of modifications were made to hom
es, most to restrict behaviors such as wandering, rummaging through cl
osets and drawers, or excessive eating. No interventions were provided
as part of the study; rather, the study sought to determine the ways
older persons were coping, particularly their use of assistive devices
and home modifications.