Alzheimer’s Hostess Personality

In certain situations, older adults suffering from Alzheimer’s can display an uncanny ability to function normally. One of the most common situations where seniors with Alzheimer’s exhibit normal functionality is during visits to the doctor. The ability to conceal characteristics of dementia for a given duration is referred to as a Hostess Personality.





The emergence of a Hostess Personality has sometimes been accredited to fear and denial. If a person with Alzheimer’s is afraid of the repercussions of a doctor’s appointment, they will do their best to appear perfectly normal when they are with the doctor.

The Selective Engagement Theory

As a person gets older, their energy levels reduce, especially if they have a condition like Alzheimer’s. The reduction forces them to choose the activities that merit the use of their restricted personal resources. Any activities that are deemed relevant are undertaken while those of less importance are ignored.

The carrying out of complex mental tasks is more taxing for seniors with Alzheimer’s. They have to work harder to finish an activity and need a longer recovery time once they are done. The result is that they usually tend to sleep a lot after any mentally strenuous task.

According to the selective engagement theory, the elderly are highly motivated to overcome all their cognitive shortcomings in any situation that they consider to be of importance to them. A visit to the doctor is usually considered very important because, to someone with their condition, it could determine whether they can retain their independence or not. 

Dealing With a Hostess Personality

Sometimes, taking care of a person with a Hostess Personality can be a daunting task. If you take them to a doctor or report their behavior to family members, they will not display the symptoms that you ‘claim’ that they are exhibiting. Your credibility with the doctor or relatives may be put in doubt, leading to frustration.

The following methods can be used to deal with a Hostess Personality:

• Talk to your elderly relative and try to convince them that you have their best interests at heart. Assure them that revealing their affliction is not an attempt to get rid of them and that it is for their own good.
• Inform the doctor about what is happening privately. The doctor will know the best way to deal with the situation.

Although dealing with a relative who has Alzheimer’s can be difficult, especially if they exhibit a Hostess Personality, showing great care and devotion goes a long way in improving their condition. 

Taking care of an Alzheimer’s patient is usually a round-the-clock task. If you are not always available to be with them, hiring someone to take care of them in the familiar comfort of your home is the next best option.

Caring For A Loved One With Memory Loss

Even though many people do not mind helping their loved one, being a caregiver can be incredibly stressful. If the person is suffering from memory loss, then caring for him or her is even more difficult. Fortunately, there are many things that caregivers can do that will make it easier for them to care for their loved ones. Below is a list of tips that will help:

Get a Medical Diagnosis

Anybody who is suffering from memory loss should be examined by a physician. In many cases, memory loss is a side effect of a medication. It can also be a sign of Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Keep in mind that there are many new medications that can treat Alzheimer's disease and dementia in their early stages. That is why it is essential for people who are suffering memory loss to see a physician.

Create a Care Plan

After your loved one has been examined and received a diagnosis, the next thing that you will want to do is outline a care plan. Take a person's short and long-term needs into consideration when you are creating a care plan. You may also want to ask a medical professional to help you create a care plan. Keep in mind that the care plan is likely to change.

Educate Yourself

It will be a lot easier for you to care for someone who has Alzheimer's disease or Dementia if you educate yourself about the condition. Talk to healthcare providers about the condition. Read brochures and books. You can also talk to other people who are caring for someone who has Alzheimer's disease or Dementia.

Safety-Proof the Home

There are a number of things that you can do to safety proof your home. You need to make sure that medications, household cleaners, knives, sharp objects and sewing needles are kept out of reach of your loved one. You will also need to adjust the temperature on your water heater. Lowering the temperature can prevent a person's chances of suffering a scalding burn.

Additionally, you may want to consider having grab bars installed in the bathtub. This will make it easier for your loved one to get in and out of the bathtub.

Take Some Time to Yourself

It is easy for caregivers to get overwhelmed. That is why they are more prone to high blood pressure and depression. You have to take time for yourself. Try to exercise every day. Include plenty of nutritious foods in your diet. Make sure that you get an adequate amount of sleep. Taking care of yourself will help prevent burnout.

You may also want to consider getting a professional caregiver to help your loved one. You can contact Visiting Angels of Las Vegas if you are interested in getting a professional caregiver to help you take care of your loved one.