Hey everyone, dad's got dementia and lately he's been lashing out - yelling, throwing things, even trying to hit me sometimes when I'm helping him. It's breaking my heart to see him like this. I know it's the disease talking, but it's still scary and exhausting.I've tried talking softly and giving him space, but sometimes nothing seems to help. Any tips would be so appreciated
Sometimes it helps to change the subject suddenly. Maybe to something they like outside the window. Like a butterfly. Even if it's not there say oh it's gone. Works with my mom for now. But the challenges are day to day.
Could it be reaction to medications? Does your dad have a favorite “thing”, favorite subject, tv program, movie, pictures, a song? Redirect/ engage his mind on something else before navigating him into what you need to do. Break up what you need to do in phases, adding the favorite “thing” Sometimes I have to go do something else on my list, or just go get a sip of tea, then come back a few minutes later. Peace and blessings to you! Thanks for what you do- your dad is blessed to have you, as he walks this different life journey. 🙏🏾
Just a bit of back ground..My LO was a Sassy woman. I am alone with her all weekend. Her son is her person but is away for work. There were no accommodations for her (and I ) so we are home. Anyway, he left yesterday...This morning she told me not to help in the bathroom; Mind you I have already cleaned two poopy depends this morning..so I told her to hit me and the walk we took last month didn't work well so we should rethink it. Kind of the way she would have spared back in the day. Not my normal response with her, but being alone I have to be a bit more firm or rigid. She does associate me as authority but then again..she despises me..her thoughts are of me stealing her family, her husband (deceased), did I mention we are cousins, I co-care with her son.. I guess there are times when we have to be forward and mention behavior. Her son will tell her to be nice, when she's being a bit mean..she will sit back for a second and think about it....it's extremely tiring trying to figure what's next and how to move forward. It's a no pun intended "hit or miss world". I know when everything is good she adores..well accepts my assistance..❤️🙏🏻❤️