CNA - Any thoughts on pre-occupying a dementia patient?

[tonyapinion78]

Any thoughts on pre occupying a dementia patient mind. Some consider it telling them lies.. Any comments or similar thoughts is welcome.. I kinda sometimes feel bs or guilty. Dementia and or Alzheimer is a very sad disease and my heart god out to any and all that can relate!!

I worked with a nurse that once asked me.. Hey don't u ever get tired of lying to these people?? I dont consider it telling them lies athough it is technically lying.. Example. If one is determined to get her sweater and leave,I would pre occupy their mind on something else briefly so chances are they never remember getting the sweater to leave any longer!! Is this considered lying?? Just wonder what you other think or feel??

[icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN]

If a dementia pt believes that it is 1973 and that they are staying at a hotel, let them. If the pt identifies you as his Mother or daughter, there is no harm in agreeing with him. That is good management and a lot nicer than arguing with them which could lead to agitation, paranoia and aggression.

[icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN]

One little old man thought that the vent alarm down the hall was his buddy honking the horn of his truck so they could go to work. I distracted him with coffee and a muffin and the newspaper and said it's your day off.