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The behaviour
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The strategies
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Wandering
Walks away from home unattended with the risk of becoming lost
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- Look for an immediate cause.
- Reassure the person and distract him with another activity.
- Move locks on the outside doors out of reach.
- Disguise doors with paint or wallpaper.
- Ensure regular walks and exercise.
- Put reminders (i.e., coat, hat) out of sight and reach.
- Inform neighbours.
- register with
Safely Home® -- Alzheimer Wandering Registry.
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Restlessness
Paces nervously, drums fingers, etc. for long periods of time
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- Distract the person -- find a meaningful activity.
- Calm her with music or touch.
- Consider pacing as a form of exercise (make sure her way is clear).
- Look for a pattern and arrange your schedule to be with her at that time.
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Repeated actions
Repeats words or actions over and over and over again
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- If the behaviour does not bother you, do nothing.
- Distract him with simple activities (i.e., folding laundry, polishing the furniture, shoes, etc.)
- Change the subject.
- Stay calm.
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Suspicion
Thinks others are trying to hurt her
Accuses others of stealing possessions
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- Provide comfort.
- Don't argue or try to reason with her.
- Don't take accusations personally.
- Distract with another activity.
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Sexual behaviour
Removing clothes/exposing herself
Physical and verbal advances towards others
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- Don't judge or scold.
- Provide affection.
- Look for unrelated needs (Does she need to use the toilet? Is she lonely or bored? Is she too hot or cold?)
- Distract with other activities.
- Stay calm.
- Provide privacy.
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Aggression
Physical and emotional outbursts (i.e., shouting, hitting)
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- Be calm and reassuring.
- Look for an immediate cause.
- Give her space to cool down.
- Distract her.
- If your safety is threatened, leave.
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