What are some strategies and suggesions for a CNA working with elderly patients with Alzheimer's/dementia?

I was an activity director in a long term care facility, have been a volunteer support group leader and public educator for the Alzheimer's Association, and have been a CNA. Here are some things that I found work.

Don't argue with a person with dementia. If Gus thinks it is 1967 and he is worried about going to work, play along. He will be much less stressed and much happier if you believe him and divert him gently. That re-orientating crap just makes a person with dementia feel even more crazy. My favorite diversion was always - hey - lets stop for a bite of breakfast on the way - we have time!

Learn about their lives before they got dementia. A woman who worked in her own restaurant for YEARS was always in the dining room at the facility I worked at as activity director. Finally, I got plastic salt and pepper shakers, salt, pepper, paper napkins, garage sale silverware, and anything else she "needed" to get the dining room back in order after breakfast and lunch.

She would wait until all of the "customers" left and then I would have her "fill" all the salt and pepper shakers (with the salt and pepper I had just for her) and we would "set" the tables. After she finished, I would just scoop everything up and put it back in the tub of her things we used.

She did this EVERY DAY without fail. When they would not let her, she would have a very bad day, so we had to figure out how to let her do her job.

One lady dusted - one man was obsessed with shiny shoes. You just have to get creative with activities. No one wants to be useless. If you can provide tasks - even if the task ARE just busy work to keep someone busy - your residents will be happier.

Often, we fail to remember that people with dementia had long, full, loving lives. Pet care, playing cards, digging in dirt, looking at the newspaper, and anything else you can think of were just daily comforting things they did before. If you offer them now, your residents will get comfort from the activity - from the ritual - and will be more fulfilled.

It doesn't matter if Charlie cannot remember the rules of Gin Rummy - he can still play cards - so play with him. Invest in their processes - you will find your job is easier.

The best you can do as you care for them is be with them in the process - simply because they cannot be outside of their dementia. Hold the baby dolls, take out the imaginary dog, and let them be in the past. They will be comforted by you - and that is the best care anyone can receive.

Hi! I am a Physical Therapist Assistant with experience working with Traumatic Brain Injury and LTC experience with Alzheimers and Dementia patients. Strategies that have helped me to keep a patient calm/cooperative/and comfortable all relate to environment. A low stimulus environment proves best. Approaching the patient in a calm quiet voice, and generally carrying a kind, positive, pleasant, and FLEXIBLE attitude goes a long way. When redirecting this type of client, it helps to give limited choices. By offering choice, you give them control, but by limiting the choices, you retain control over impossible requests. Your physical disposition/non verbal actions also play a big part. If the client is sitting, get on their level. Approach from a side stance position, instead of squared off directly in front of them to give a feeling of not being boxed in. I hope some of this helps. If you have specific scenarios you would like to discuss, please feel free to email me.

I agree. You must be calm and patient with these people. If they begin to get confused, take them to a quiet area, preferrably where there are things familiar to them to help calm them. When speaking to them, make sure you come at them from the front. They startle more easily I've noticed. It is a very difficult job, so good luck! You should get the hang of it after a while.

I taught an Alzheimer's Disease course to Nurses and CNA's

if you email me I can send you the information. It was a wonderful course and very informative.

First of all you have to be very calm around them. Always introduce yourself to them every day and always say their name (never sweetie or honey). Be patient with them. Take them on walks in the facility, ask them about their families.