Should You Correct Someone With Dementia?

Download 2 FREE dementia cheatsheets at this link: dementiasuccesspath.com/yt-cs
1- Activities Ideas
2- What to say/do for specific Challenging Behaviors
Thanks for watching! In this video we are going to talk 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.
As a thank you for watching:
Dementia Activities Cheatsheet + Challenging Behaviors Cheatsheet Download Here:
dementiasuccesspath.com/yt-cs
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So the 3 situations when you think you should correct them but don't actually need to are:
1. When they do something strange that is harmless
2. When they say something strange that is harmless
3. When they say something totally wrong but also harmless
1. The first situation is when they do something strange that is harmless.
This could be they wear multiple shirts at the same time carrying a stuffed animal around everywhere insist 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 but constantly correcting them will wear you down and 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. The second situation is 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 or 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"
or "Cool"
or "Sounds great"
will save yourself and them fights that don't need to happen
3. The third situation is when they say something wrong but harmless
This could be You know, I don't think Neil Armstrong was ever on the moon or Paris is in England or 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.
4. The time you should correct someone with dementia is if they are going to do something that is a safety issue
If grandma is walking when she can't actually walk or when dad insists on. walking the street at night are good reasons to step in and stop the behavior for their own good.

[@kylee9096]

I try so hard not to argue with my dad but he has always been a hard headed man... this is the first video I've seen & it helps alot

[@dementiasuccesspath2239]

I’m so glad! It’s so hard to know sometimes especially when it’s your parent and the truth is that picking your battles will make both of you happier.

[@carlosolivasjr7870]

Hi, found your social media posts about a month ago. I thought I would chime in with results that I have achieved and working on improving with practice. This content is Great stuff for new and experienced caregivers to always be learning how to navigate through challenges. I learned how to “go with the flow” when my parent w/Alz will state something that isn’t true. I try to avoid the conflicts and the anxiety that can arise by a disagreement. It is much harder to redirect when there is agitation and aggression. It’s best to agree most of the time. When safety is concerned then honesty is the best way to keep the loved one safe. I will pass this video along to some of my family members who witnessed this type of confabulation behavior. The tricky part is being in a situation where there are multiple people with a dementia at a family event like this past week. Thanks for educating our dementia community 🙏🏽💜

[@dementiasuccesspath2239]

Thank you so much for sharing!

[@user-qi4nt1lk8w]

This is absolutely helpful. thanks

[@zarahevangelista8176]

Thank you for the lessons, been using your advices in my work.

[@dementiasuccesspath2239]

That is great! Have you gotten any wins?

[@kentwestervelt9970]

yes, if they are potentially doing something harmful, we need to correct. I don't think telling them "no, you can't go out in the street" will solve their desire to cross the street, it's not a fight you can win and it's going to agitate the heck out of them. It's really the family and caregiver's job to remove potential safety issues and get to the root cause. Unplug the oven, install door chimes or locks (if walking out) and if they are bothering others, use your prompts in your "challenging behaviors" vid to solve the underlying issue. If they want to go "across the road", why? We had a gentleman who did this (prior to us helping him.). He loves ice cream and ran out--easily solved. Thanks for you videos.

[@dementiasuccesspath2239]

Thank you for your tips!

[@songbirdmedows]

Thank you I really enjoy these videos I found you a couple months ago and started following. I am a caregiver, but I only work with early stages where the people are mostly still living in their homes and their families are wanting more or less a companion. I’ve learned a lot from watching these and I also want to say thank you for starting to use client. In the beginning when I started watching these videos you always referred to the client as a loved one. For me this is not the case so thanks. I’ll keep watching and learning.

[@dementiasuccesspath2239]

My pleasure. To me they are clients as well so I’ve tried to be more mindful. Thanks for watching!