New Here! Could use guidance!

Cdoyle0913

My grandma is in year 3 of her VD diagnosis. She was recently moved into a MC unit of an AL facility. She has been there for about a month. Before moving her out she began picking at everything. Tearing apart furniture, floors, pictures, literally anything and everything. She also began to wander which was concerning. We figured it was boredom. We moved her to a place with lots of activities which she does them all and LOVES it! She is so happy all the time even as she picks apart the floor she does it with a smile on her face. She hardly ever gets mad at us. Currently the bathroom floor is gone as she picked it all up. We have discussed issues with neurologist and a med was prescribed. We are still having issues and feel we have tried everything to deter her from doing things such as fidget toys, a slot machine, stuffed animals, a fake dog, puzzles, tv shows, etc. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Emily 123

I would revisit it with the neurologist. It may be that additional medication adjustment will help.

Cdoyle0913

We did last week and sent her a message as a follow up. We have been searching for a new neurologist as a back up plan. Of course, some aren't taking new patients or we have to wait months to get in to see others

mommyandme (m&m)

Hi and welcome to this little niche of dementia caregivers. Sorry you need it though.

My mom picked and picked too but it was skin, fingernail polish and cuticles. I would paint her fingernails simply to give her fingers things to do. Fidget toys weren’t a fave but she did like a sequined fabric and the seams of her stuffies to pick at.

Would lots of stickers placed on a hard surface be something she might “help you” fix? Maybe a book or tray table that’s covered in them? Glued shapes or beads or buttons stuck to an object? Something you’d need to prepare before visiting?

Wish I could be more help. Hope you find a solution. Thanks for sharing. Keep coming back.