I am not dead.

These are just a few of the questions  we as caregivers must answer. Dealing with the behaviors of an Alzheimer's patient  can be one of the hardest challenges that we face in caring for our loved one. 

Our inability, as a caregiver, to deal with "bad behavior" can lead us to seek out professional help which often means a nursing home. For some this might be the only option, but for others with help and the right tools they can keep their loved ones at home longer, deferring the cost of a nursing home as long as possible. 

Deceive, Call it  therapeutic lying or white lies.  A couple of examples of my white lies:  To stop Chris from driving I had a key that would not work in the ignition and kept the real key hidden.  I had the doors rigged so he could no longer open them. (See The  Basic House Hold Tips Video)

When he could not start the car or  could not open the door and go out, I would act as if I was helping him by repeating his actions showing him that I could not start the car or open the door. I would say I would have to have the car towed or a repairman come to fix the door. 

Since our loved ones are going back through the developmental ages, let us surround them with the same things they had growing up, such as comfort, touch, acceptance, and encouragement. Let us provide them with developmental age appropriate sensory stimulating  products and activities. 

Putting a developmental age appropriate toy in hands of an Alzheimer's patients does not rob them of their dignity, but provides a distraction and diversion from their troubled confused thoughts. We would ask no less for ourselves if our roles were reversed.