I saw this sign while buying my sweet husband an orange freeze yesterday afternoon. Summer has arrived here and it is time for ice cream. Any caregiver knows that any person with Alzheimers loves sweets.
One afternoon my mother had grown agitated. She could usually be distracted by an outing for her favorite treat, a frosty. She readily agreed to going out. Mom promptly lost control of her cup and her frosty rolled under the table. Putting aside what others might think of a 50 something year old woman climbing under the table to retrieve a prized frosty, I did just that. Then I heard giggles. I looked up to see Mom hanging over the table making faces and waving at me. I dissolved into playful laughter as well. I told her we needed to throw her frosty away and I would get her a new one. Her response only brought more laughter. She said,” I will just eat yours “ as she took mine and smiled like a naughty child.
Learning how to redirect is a very critical skill in caregiving for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. Their reality must become your reality. They are unable to change so you make adjustments. Knowing reason and logic do not work, I chose to redirect with the outing. Once under the table, I chose to enter her childlike state of mind and have fun. That day ice cream was happiness for both of us.
Redirecting is leading someone to different responses. They need to feel safe and secure. They need to be able to trust you. They follow you more easily when you lead gently.
Behavior issues are caused by something. Observe carefully and watch for things setting the behavior off. Removing clothing may indicate they need to use the restroom. Agitation may be a result of over stimulation. Anger can come from frustration because they can’t remember where the door is. Watch for signs of pain or discomfort. When you can pinpoint where they are emotionally and physically you can more effectively redirect.
Let’s look at a few scenarios and possible redirection options.
- Your mom has asked you what time it is every 5 minutes for over an hour.
- Your dad walked out of the restroom without his pants.
- Your aunt insists there are 3 cats dancing on the table.
- Grandpa threw his glass of water at you for no reason.
Even though tempted, do not yell at mom or be embarrassed by dad. Forget telling Aunt Jane that you have no cats in the house. Throwing water back at Grandpa might be fun but you would only have a bigger mess to clean.
Instead, remain calm. Watch your voice inflections and facial expressions and try this approach.
- Suggest to mom that it is time for her favorite snack..
- Guide dad back to the restroom and help him get dressed,
- Tell Aunt Jane that you wished you had those dance moves and break into a silly dance.
- Keep in mind that Grandpa is anxious. Approach him calmly. Take his hand and ask if he would like listen to his favorite music with you.
Redirection saves your sanity and comforts and settles the one you are caring for. It can even help to avoid medications for behavior or delay the need for it. I learned first hand that all of the medications are trial and error. Your loved one will lose skills due to the medications. If they become necessary due to extreme behavior changes do not feel guilty. Try to make adjustments whenever possible. God will give you ideas.
Word for Today
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1: 5
Song for Today
Prayer for Today
Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for your wisdom. Today we ask that you calm us so that we may gently guide with love and compassion. Give us wisdom as we navigate behavior changes and even personality changes. We ask that you bring peace to us and and to those we care for. Give us moments of joy along the way. We praise you for this.
Amen
Walking Them Home 