Should You Correct Someone With Dementia?
Have you seen your loved one or client doing something wrong or worse, doing something unsafe and are not sure if need to correct them?
In this post, you will learn about the 3 situations most people think they need to correct someone with dementia when they really don't have to and one situation where you absolutely should correct someone with dementia.
That way, you can stop wasting so much time fighting with you loved one or client with dementia and have more peace in your home or workplace.
By the end of this post, you will have more clarity of when to let things go and when to step in, giving you a win in keeping the peace.
By the way, when you do get that win, comment it down below so we can celebrate you.
3 Times You Shouldn’t Correct Someone with Dementia
#1: When they do something strange that is harmless.
This could be:
Them wearing multiple shirts at the same time
Carrying a stuffed animal around everywhere
Insisting on eating the same thing every meal
Basically things that seem weird but don't hurt themselves or anyone else.
It is very tempting to correct them for these strange behaviors, however, constantly correcting them will wear you down
It can also make more dangerous behaviors like striking out be more likely.
While it may take some getting used to, even if it's weird, give them some opportunities to choose for themselves.
#2: When they say something that is strange but harmless
This could be them:
Excitedly telling you they talked to Aunt Becky who has been dead for years
When they tell you as a matter a fact that kids are playing in the living room when there aren't
That they are taking a vacation to the bahamas next year when you know they can't
Much like the previous situation, simply saying something like:
"Wow, that's nice"
"Cool"
"Sounds great"
will save yourself and them fights that don't need to happen.
#3: When they say something wrong but harmless
This could be:
“You know, I don't think Neil Armstrong was ever on the moon.”
“Paris is in England”
“Aunt Becky lives in California” (When she actually lives in New York)
While it is so tempting to correct them, your energy levels and the peace in your home will thank you for simply agreeing or nodding your head.
When You Should Correct Someone With Dementia:
#1: If they are going to do something that is a safety issue
If grandma is walking when she can't actually walk
When dad insists on walking the street at night
These are all good reasons to step in and stop the behavior for their own good.
So there you have it, the 3 times you shouldn’t correct someone with dementia and the 1 time you should.
When they do something strange that is harmless
When they say something strange that is harmless
When they say something totally wrong but also harmless
and the 1 time you should
When it is a safety issue
Try at least 1 of these 4 strategies and see if you can get yourself a win with your loved one or client.
If you do, make sure to comment that win down below and while your at it, join my facebook group and share it with our community as well by clicking the link below.
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