Try: #being shadowed by the cr may be reassuring to the cg at first because the cg always knows where the cr is however if this action continues over a long period of time it could become exasperating to cg #the cr may follow the cg from room to room and up and down steps because the simple action of placing one foot in front of the other to walk has been forgotten the cr may need to watch the cg in order to remember how use this as an opportunity to engage the cr in a fun walking activity encourage others to participate as well #being near the cg at all times could mean security and comfort to the cr look for other ways that security and comfort could be provided for example ##encourage friends and family members to visit the cr ##encourage the cr to build relationships with others through socialization and activities ##provide the cr with a doll baby or stuffed animal this may sound ridiculous but it has been very effective in some situations ##provide the cr with a pet or ask someone with a pet to visit on a regular basis #if the cg needs privacy plan an enjoyable activity that will keep the cr occupied for a short while

Materials: Visitors doll or stuffed animal animal

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Leisure, Socialization, Mobility, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Independence, No Supervision, Some Supervision, Long-Term Memory, Good L T Memory, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: #talk and find out what the cr’s interests are and what games the cr would like to play for example cards chess scrabble or any other game that has to be played with at least two people if military history is an interest try games such as risk or battleship if the business world is an interest try games such as monopoly #pick a table in a quiet secluded area to set up the game #sit with the cr and talk as you play the game at first keep conversations and activities short you can increase the length of time gradually #as the cr becomes more open to dialogue during the one-on-one time ask if the cr would mind if another person was invited to play with you if the cr does not object find another game player find someone who you think would have good chemistry with the cr #encourage conversation between the cr and the new player help out by asking interesting questions they both can answer and talk about #praise the cr for socializing say how much you and others enjoy spending time playing and talking with the cr #continue using this approach with the cr to encourage socialization over time the cr may become more comfortable with social interaction

Materials: Table and chairs table games games

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Social, Mobility, Mobile, Needs Some Assistance, Independence, No Supervision, Some Supervision, Cognitive Awareness, Fully Aware, Long-Term Memory, Good L T Memory, So-So L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, Good S T Memory, So-So S T Memory

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: #when the cr gets restless bring out the box with the string and buttons in it and ask the cr to help you sort the buttons set the cr up to work at the table #the buttons can be sorted by color shape or size and put into separate piles #you can also ask the cr to thread the buttons on the string to make a craft project #if you’re really creative you can help the cr make a necklace or bracelet the project can be very simple or more complex look for jewelry-making supplies at any craft store otherwise just knot the end of the string to close a necklace or bracelet

Materials: Shoe box buttons of various sizes colors shapes string comfortable chair table

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Social, Mobility, Independence, Some Supervision, Long-Term Memory, Poor L T Memory

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Ask the cr to write down in the journal what the thoughts are when anxiety and panic attacks occur ask the cr to write down in the journal a more appropriate and realistic thought to replace each of the anxious thoughts for example anxious thought – when i am in public everyone stares at me appropriate thought – when i am in public some people will glance at me work with the cr to change his or her way of thinking over time try to replace the anxious thoughts with appropriate thoughts the situation and environment in which the anxious thoughts occur should also be documented in the journal this will help in identifying the specific situations and environments that trigger the cr’s anxiety and panic attacks in some cases these specific situations and environments may be so stressful the cr ultimately chooses to avoid them altogether if stressful situations cannot be avoided however then work with the cr to develop coping mechanisms to ward off the anxiety and panic you might explore the following deep breathing exercises physical exercise visualization of a more relaxing situation and environment listening to relaxation recordings another approach often called the desensitization approach involves gradually exposing the cr to the specific situation or environment that causes panic over time the level of anxiety and panic may be reduced for example if going to a crowded department store causes fear and anxiety for the cr do the following first day – the cr gets dressed and ready to go but does not leave the house second day – the cr goes out the front door third day – the cr gets in the car fourth day – the cr drives to the store but doesn’t go in fifth day – the cr goes into the store at a time when it is not busy and not very many people are there sixth day – the cr goes into the store during a time when it is fairly busy your approach can be modified based on the cr’s specific circumstances and reaction to the gradual exposure to the specific situations and environments

Materials: Relaxation recordings voice recorder with earphones journal and pen

Categories: Emotional Psychological

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Ask the preferred cg to record several reassuring messages for the cr each one about ten to twelve seconds long make sure the messages include the fact that the preferred cg will be back soon and that the cg cares for the cr when the preferred cg is absent and the cr is agitated play the messages for the cr provide reassurance that you are present and caring and that the cr is not alone by gently stroking the cr cr’s arm or hand while the recording plays if possible find a format that will allow the cr to play the messages as often as he or she desires post a note with the day and time the preferred cg will return in a place where the cr can see it and refer the cr to it whenever necessary

Materials: Preferred caregiver voice recorder note

Categories: Emotional Psychological

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: A cr whose condition has led to disorientation about his or her age may become angry or more confused if a caregiver (cg) aggressively insists on asserting the cr cr’s actual age in a low-key way it may not be inappropriate to show a current photo of the cr or remind him or her calmly of who you are in relation to the cr but if the cr disbelieves the cg cg’s effort should turn from trying to reorient the cr to trying to understand what the cr is expressing as far as feelings when the cr speaks about children or parents who are now grown or no longer alive or when the cr speaks as if he or she is living in a different decade ask questions that might allow the cr to tell you about feelings and experiences related to those people and that time how do you feel about her what is your life like tell me about yourself what do you think about me these questions may allow the cr to talk about relationships and thoughts that have not yet been resolved in his or her life if it feels important to you to understand how the cr sees him or herself consider looking at a photo album with the cr ask the cr to point out a current picture of him or herself this should give you some idea of the age and era or timeframe the cr is living in if the cr repeatedly asks for something unavailable related to a past experience try giving the cr something similar that safely and appropriately lets him or her interact with the requested object or person for example if the cr looks through the house for a baby from long ago consider presenting the cr with a baby doll that can be diapered and bottle-fed

Materials: Photo album

Categories: Emotional Psychological

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Make sure the walls are a neutral color if the walls are wallpapered in a large pattern change to a softer or plain pattern large patterns could be too busy or confusing to the cr if the draperies carpets and upholstery fabric of the chairs or couches in the room are patterned place a plain slipcover or throw over them too many patterns in a room may cause the cr to be confused and frustrated if the room faces the street there may be too much outside noise try replacing the regular draperies with insulated draperies

Materials: Neutral carpets plain or soft patterned wallpaper upholstery fabric or throws in neutral color drapes or curtains in soft colors

Categories: Emotional Psychological

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Give the cr advance notice of the meal several minutes in advance let the cr become acquainted with you before directing a request to the cr let the cr know what is going to happen before starting by prompting with gestures and words however do not touch the cr let the cr start his or her meal before the room gets too crowded ask the cr to sit at a table near the door but in a chair facing away from the door this way there is a quick exit option if the cr gets over stimulated having the cr face away from the door lessens the chances of seeing how many people are coming through the door make sure you give the cr choices such as what to eat or drink to provide a sense of control of the situation be sure to praise the cr for successful mealtimes without agitated behavior

Materials: Table and chair near the door of the dining room

Categories: Emotional Psychological

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: #since the pacing behavior is not harmful you should turn it into an activity that will be fun for the cr and provide a sense of purpose #ask the cr to put away folded laundry the laundry should be sorted according to where it belongs in the house hand the cr a small stack and ask that it be put it away in the proper place for example all clothing items would go in the bedroom and all kitchen towels and rags would go in the kitchen #ask the cr put away a few rolls of paper towels where they belong in the house for example under the kitchen sink in the utility closet or in the pantry #ask the cr to put away a few rolls of toilet paper in the bathrooms

Materials: Folded laundry rolls of paper towels rolls of toilet paper

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Memory, Mobility, Mobile, Independence, Some Supervision, Long-Term Memory, So-So L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, So-So S T Memory

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: #if the cr suspects that someone is taking his or her money provide reassurance by letting the cr have a small amount of pocket change that can be easily found in a pocket or purse #help look for missing objects for a short time and then distract the cr with a snack game or craft project #try to learn if the cr has a favorite place for hiding or storing objects look there first when you are told that something is lost #avoid arguing about whether the item is lost or whether the theft has happened #reassure the cr that you understand the anxiety and let the cr know that he or she is safe use language such as i won’t let that happen to you or i know you are frightened but i’m here and i will stay with you #try non-verbal reassurances such as a hug or gentle touch

Materials: Snacks materials for crafts games small amounts of pocket change

Categories: Emotional Psychological, Independence, Some Supervision, Long-Term Memory, Poor L T Memory

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: n/a

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed