"Fear is a constant companion of the person with dementia. Addressing fear can begin by asking yourself this question, "What can I do or say (or not say) to the person with Alzheimer's that will offer them reassurance and a sense of contentment?" Angela Lunde, Mayo Clinic.
I think this statement is more true for people with Alzheimer's disease than those with Lewy Bodies Dementia, but "shadowing" can be a behavior found in both illnesses that can be suffocating for the care giver. Shadowing is when the person with dementia will not let the care receiver out of their sight. I call this "hovering". Because we are not dealing with the typical memory deficits associated with Alzheimer's -- that is: the person does know who we are and does know where he/she is, we probably will not have shadowing to the extent of those caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease. Still, it is good for us to remember that some of the behavior we might find troubling is based on fear. I find this shadowing particularly in social situations. It is good for us to consider the situation from the perspective of the person with dementia. How terrifying it must be to be aware that one cannot reliably solve a problem should it arise. This awareness is probably nonverbal and maybe even not in consciousness awareness. A technique I have implemented that seems helpful is to find a place for him to sit (he cannot walk or stand for long periods) and tell him I will be right back. That seems to alleviate his fear. What are some techniques you have found to reduce fear in the care receiver?
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