My father suffers from mild dementia and is often confused about where he is, where he's going or what is happening around him. Here are some ideas to help both of you deal with that confusion. This list is courtesy of Elaine McKee, an occupational therapist with The Anne Johnston Health Station and Sunnybrook Geriatric Outreach Program (Toronto).

• Cut down on distractions

• Limit the number of choices offered

• Ask questions in such a way that a yes or no answer is required

• Positive statements are easier to follow than negative statements

• Getting the person's attention before touching them is helpful- say their name and/or establish eye contact

• Provide only as much guidance as is necessary as soon as the person is on the right track

• Keep instructions simple and precise

• Be patient and respectful- allow your love to shine through

• Fade out guidance as soon as the person is on the right track

• Give reassurance as often as needed but avoid distracting

• One step at a time- treat each step as if it were a complete task

• Visual cues help support verbal instructions

• Provide as little manual guidance as necessary

• Let your hand rest on the person for a second before directing a movement

• Do not persist in moving a reluctant limb

• Touch is not just for providing direction- hugs are wonderful

• Allow sufficient time for the task

• If performance falls off, do not insist on completion

• Focus on what has been accomplished and give praise for it

• Thank the person for helping you