Redirection When It Comes to Dementia

When it comes to dementia, you may notice there are some behaviors that your loved one displays. These behaviors can, at times, be tough to deal with. However, there are some tips that can help you with redirection. If you need even more help handling your loved one and their dementia, know there are homecare providers who can help, too.

Homecare Paramus NJ - Redirection When It Comes to Dementia

Homecare Paramus NJ – Redirection When It Comes to Dementia

Checking the Environment

It might not be the behavior that you need to change, but the environment itself. Sometimes people with dementia can’t express when something is wrong in the proper way. Their room might be too hot, for instance. Check the environment to see if something needs to be changed before trying to change the behavior.

Don’t Try Reasoning

People with dementia can’t be reasoned with. Their reality is what it is. You can’t change that. However, you can say that you are sorry they are dealing with the problem and ask how you can help.

Get Them Outdoors

Sometimes getting your loved one outdoors can help a great deal. The change of scenery can help their brain to get redirected and refocused.

Keep Things Simple

If your loved one with dementia is having a behavior of some sort, keep things simple. If you are trying to give them directions, so they can do something, do one step at a time. If you try to use more than one step at a time, this can overwhelm them and cause even more behaviors.

Use Both of Us

If your loved one is refusing to do something, saying that both of us should do something is a great way to get them to agree to it. They may not want to do something on their own for a variety of reasons. However, if you do it with them, they may be more willing to do so.

Using Touch

Touch is generally a great way to help calm someone who has dementia. If your loved one is feeling overwhelmed, a small touch on their shoulder could be enough to help redirect them. It could also help them to focus on the task at hand, as well.

These are some of the tips for redirection when it comes to dementia. It is understandable if you get overwhelmed at times. That is what homecare providers are here to help you with. They can also help to calm and focus your loved one, too.

Do you have a loved one with dementia? If so, there may be some behaviors that you weren’t sure how to deal with. Hopefully, now with these redirection tips, you can get them back on track and even potentially reduce the behaviors they have in the first place.

Sources:  https://www.alz.org/media/Documents/alzheimers-dementia-related-behaviors-ts.pdf

If you or a senior family member are considering hiring Homecare Services in Paramus NJ, please contact the caring staff at Caring Solutions Home Care LLC. In-home senior care servicing Bergen & Passaic Counties. Call today at (973) 427-3553.

Pamela DelColle, RN, CCRN