Redirection & Reactions

• Analyze the situation:  Is everyone safe from harm?
• Most anger is reactive, not irrational in an Alzheimer’s patient.  What emotions are you showing.
• Love always makes a difference!  Show kindness, smiles and humor
• If all attempts to calm a patient fail:  Leave the room for a short time;  offer food or something to drink.
• If s/he ask me that question one more !@%* time…Write down the answer on a card and offer it to the patient over & over.  You do not have to say a word!
• Remember to enter Their Reality.
• Self-Discovery:  Through this painful journey, you will find new strengths, partnerships, support, friendships, knowledge, empathy and coping skills.  This new direction can take away old ideas, change relationships and allows you to serve in ways you never dreamed of. 
• Typically men cover their fear with anger and women with tears and anxiety behaviors.  What is causing this fear?  What scared him/her is the question that may need to be asked to see if you can pinpoint the problem and avert/avoid a repeat.