Re-directing tips needed for Alzheimer's/behavior pts

Specialties Geriatric

Published

What tricks of the trade do you have for re-directing Alzheimer's or behavior pts? There are 2 in particular on my unit that drive me up the wall! One is so very fixated on "going home" that it seems no amount of attempts at redirecting will work. For instance, last night the 2 were hell-on-wheels. I had 2 skin issues, a fall, and a med pass to take care of. After 11.5 hrs of hearing, "who can help me move my stuff?", and "I want to go home" and watching her pace up and down the halls, go in others peoples' rooms, "pack" some of her stuff and drag it to the nurses' station from 1 res, then the other who wails like a banshee at any attempt at redirection had me pulling my hair out by the time I (mercifully) left. We offered snacks, drinks, turned on the t.v., radio, gave them pain meds, anti-anxiety meds, and sat with them in their rooms and NOTHING WORKED. I am sooooo very frustrated I could scream!!!:banghead: And, naturally, both are up ad-lib. The lady who was trying to move all night sat RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME FOR HOURS going on about wanting to leave, call the police, etc. She, however, was not violent or any other behavior to warrant a chemical restraint. Any tips on keeping my sanity during such occasions would be GREATLY appreciated!:plsebeg:

hi can you recommend some activities? im an activity assistant and would love things for the patients to do besides bingo night and movies...thanks!

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