Interesting patient behavior

[hookyarnandblanket]

We have 8 patients in our long term care unit, half of which have some sort of dementia. Lately, I have noticed an interesting behavior in one of them. She backs into the bathroom instead of walking directly into the bathroom and turning to sit on the toilet. She also has macular degeneration, so I don't know if the combination of the two have made her think that backing into the bathroom is easier than walking straight in.

Has anyone else seen this sort of behavior in patients with dementia?

[OnlinePersona, LPN]

Sometimes people with disabilities has developed a habit of doing ADLs that is within realm of their capabilities. for instance, it kind reminds me of a blind patient who wants you to keep something exactly in a certain spot for psychomotor ambulation. Whatever works :-)

[Momof8CNA]

i used to be a live in caregiver for people with dementia, and a lot of times..their own reflection frightened them. we always covered the mirror with a towel, if the situation warranted it.

[VicChic20]

While it may seem odd, that resident may be comfortable with that sort of behavior for achieving daily ADLs. Just make sure she's not losing balance while walking backward. We have one resident here at my nursing home who always wants to wear the same sweater over her regular shirt. She never goes a day without it. It may be odd behavior,but may be normal for them.

[hookyarnandblanket]

I actually figured out what was going on. Her walker catches on the edge of the door frame and with her macular degeneration and dementia, she can't problem solve well anymore. Now I feel like a dork, but at least the mystery is solved.