But it is the absolute hardest job in the world. I always thought parenting was the hardest until I became a therapist. Now I know the toughest job is caregiving and caregiving dementia patients is the most difficult of all. One of the things we did to prevent wandering was to put a black rug in front of doors leading to outside--also works to keep them out of places they shouldn't go. Because dementia patients typically have diminished sensory apparatus, the black rug looks like a hole to them and they don't want to go near it. Playing classical music can soothe jangled nerves for both patient and caregiver. Popsicles are hydrating and delightful for all. Going through photo albums and old knick knacks and trinkets can be a great diversion for these patients because their long-term memories are typically much better than more recent memory. Sensory activities like drawing with fingers (or you can also use berries) on a tray covered in whipped cream or pudding is often fun--kids love this too. And it's a good way to get calories in them. Just some ideas off the top of my head. Hope it helps. Do not forget you are a hero and deserve twice what they are now paying you!
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