Right way to Correct wrong behavior

jeannevic

My mom has mid to late dementia. Sometimes she tries to use a knife to eat instead of a fork or she attempts to eat non- food items (pens, water caps etc). When I go to correct her she gets very agitated. All the research I’ve done says not to correct them or tell them they made a mistake — be patient blah blah blah. NO WHERE can I find the right words to use with her to prevent her from lashing out. I’m looking for help. I know what NOT to say but I don’t know WHAT to say.

help :(

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jeannevic

Thank you. I know you are 100% right. I was grasping at straws trying to find a “miracle phrase”

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towhee

And if they manage to get their hands on something they should not after all your hard work dementia proofing, try substitution, like you would with a toddler, if they have something you do not want them to have, draw their attention, big smile, give them something else instead, something that you make seem better.