Seniors with dementia often engage in behaviors that might be difficult for family members to understand. Some of these behaviors, like shadowing, can feel uncomfortable at times. And when family caregivers can’t be there, seniors with dementia may have a tougher time if the person they usually shadow isn’t available. Alzheimer’s home care providers can help families understand shadowing and make it easier for dementia patients to live with all sorts of challenges related to dementia.
Use Timers and Other Tools to Manage Expectations
One of the reasons seniors with dementia start shadowing people is because they don’t have a solid sense of time any longer. This is just one of the ways that cognitive functioning can change for seniors who have dementia. Using tools like timers, notes, and signs can help seniors with dementia remind themselves when family caregivers will be back. Professional caregivers can offer support as well, reminding seniors when family members will return.
Offer Distractions When Appropriate
Finding activities that they enjoy and that offer a distraction is another helpful way to support seniors who shadow the people they care about. Repetitive activities work well for seniors with dementia. That can include activities like sorting items or folding items. Depending on how advanced their dementia is, seniors might enjoy other activities instead, like reading or watching their favorite television shows. These types of activities can help with timing, too.
Expand Supportive Assistance
Seniors with dementia might be more prone to shadowing when their support circles are smaller. Having home care providers available who understand their routines allows seniors with dementia to build trust with other people. When family caregivers need to take time away, their expanded support systems can help them to feel calmer and resist behaviors like shadowing or wandering.
Avoid Arguing or Correcting
If seniors with dementia are afraid to be alone, they may not be able to express those feelings in a way that makes sense to the people around them. They may start shadowing family members or saying things that make the situation feel worse for everyone. Alzheimer’s home care providers can help families learn better ways to help seniors with dementia to feel safer and more comfortable. Correcting seniors or trying to argue with them can leave them feeling unsafe, which can exacerbate challenging behaviors.
Use Pictures and Videos to Offer Support
Taking pictures or making videos of family members talking to seniors or engaging in regular daily tasks can be really helpful for seniors with dementia. They can look at the pictures or watch the videos whenever they feel uncomfortable and begin to feel the urge to shadow again. Alzheimer’s care providers can help seniors to remember that they have these items as well, so that they can access them whenever they need them.
Experienced Alzheimer’s home care providers can help seniors with dementia and their families to cope with all sorts of challenges related to dementia, including shadowing behaviors. Getting the right help with activities of daily living, personal care tasks, and implementing creative solutions makes life easier and safer for aging adults living with dementia.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s home care in Columbia, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at (864) 990-4345.
Heart of the Carolinas Provides Senior Home Care Services in Greenville, Mauldin, Greer, Spartanburg, Anderson, Pawleys Island, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, Charleston, Columbia, Simpsonville, South Carolina, and surrounding areas.
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