Important Dementia Behavior Tip #caregiving

[cindyb]

“Don’t correct, redirect” is the short and easy way I was taught to remember it. Thanks for the reminder.😊

[carlosgonzalez]

This is also a good way to deal with children that are misbehaving

[lt]

My mom had dementia and we had her do important things. I did make the mistake of giving her a pull-up to put on herself, I was busy. When she came out of the bathroom, she was wearing it as a hat. I gave her junk mail to open, had her sort buttons, or colored cotton balls. The buttons and cotton balls were smooth and soft. The sensation seemed to soothe her. You have to laugh or cry at some of the things that happen. We chose to laugh, and it also helped her to smile.

[bethmorano]

When I was caring for my mom, my preschool education came in real handy.

[marycolabella]

Boy, I agree with you there! Every time I use the word “don’t” my husband points it out to me —-“., do not use the word “don’t” to me. It treats me like a child!”.

[Justin-xsyo]

My mother’s husband hated all of her repetitive behaviours and was always saying “no” and correcting her. You could tell she hated it.
When I was with her we just did what she wanted over and over again like it was the first time. It was about her and her journey and no matter how far along they are “no” and “stop that” is upsetting, just like it is for the rest of us 🤷🏼‍♂️
Only time we had to redirect was if she was doing something that wasn’t going to end well, but most of the time it was harmless stuff. Be present for that person and give them what they need.

[DianaD]

As a caregiver, what would be most helpful for me is having someone show me how to dress my husband. It's becoming so frustrating for me. He no longer understands words like "lift your leg" or "pull up". I have had to go with shirts that are button up instead of pull over the head. I had to do away with belts and jeans a year ago and go with elastic waist band sweats pants in winter and thin pajama pants in summer, and short socks instead of the tube socks he used to wear. But just getting all his clothes on him is challenging. I am a foot shorter than he.

[mattpearson]

Perfect & wonderful advice !!!
Each morning when I must lift my wife off her bed, she always grasp and cling onto her bed linings . I always ask her for a hug, so she lets go to give me a hug and I can lift her up off her bed to change her sheets and clean her up !!!!

[sandrawilley]

My mother yells at my father, makes me want to cry.I can't even imagine how he feels. 😢

[jannmacdougall]

Pretend they are three, in a nice way so you can remain gentle and loving❤

[L.J.H.-sgeb]

Yes this is very important. My Mom can't stand up by herself or walk around unattended so my only concerns are what is on her 5 foot folding table in front of her. She has her coloring books, colored oencils, markers and crayons, her tray of healthy snacks about an hour after each meal and her water or herbal tea. She asks about the mail, but trusts me to take care of it and I do. Your guidance has been as necessary to us as food on our table. God bless you for what you do. ❤

[vmidunc]

I really hate that word redirect. Former adult caregiver and current mom of two with autism. Redirecting is my life and it never ends 😂

[kathleencomba]

Don't belittle them....they have a heart and a soul and need to feel needed😢

[bacinthezahab]

My mother is so determined whenever i redirect her she gets distracted for a bit then sneak right into the kitchen washing the dishes using the coldest water 😢n no soap😅

[catthouser]

I screen the mail. Give mom all the junk mail. I pull out bills. She never knows it had been screened. Her job to review mail. She loves it.

[kimbiismail]

This reminds me of how my late mom tried folding the washing or making her bed, 😊

[hwpufmw]

Thank you for all your advice. Much appreciated.

[EyesOnIlia]

This is dealing with autistic people 101, I do this with my son.

[edsantos]

I am 70... I need this for my sisters in law.. 😅

[Aomame]

What worked with my father was asking him if he wanted coffee.