I often read of using distraction to reduce behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD)
Quote from this article
“Distraction
Talk about pleasant memories.
Defuse the situation by shifting their focus to a different activity, or moving to a different space.”
I started using this recently in my 7th year of providing caregiving to my mother living with dementia when my husband shared how he will change the conversation whenever she brings up negative events.
Nowadays I manage to spend about 10minutes each morning with her and she will often bring up an incident when she was “triggered” by the behaviour of one resident at the daycare she is attending. Bearing this concept of distraction, I will quickly mention and ask about a positive activity that she enjoys speaking about. Smiles will be all over her face as she remember and reminisce about the event.
Today, she brought up the negative event three times in the 10 minute conversation and I have to distract her three times. If this is not carried out, she would usually spiral down into negativity and this will affect everyone around her.
Sometimes, I will distract her by directing her attention to my potted plants at the corridor of my flat. Alternatively, I will get her to assist me in meal preparation.
There are still so many things to learn about dementia and many things I learnt in the textbook or internet will have to be individualised when it comes to managing bpsd that manifest in various forms, may it be anxiety, depression or negativity, just to name a few symptoms.
Caregiving is a learning journey for me. What about you? What is one new thing that you learn? Is it not a growth journey for all of us? Let us be thriving caregivers.
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