How to Redirect Someone With Dementia: Gentle Tips for Caregivers
Dealing With Aggressive and Non Aggressive Dementia Behavior
Caring for a loved one with dementia brings many unique challenges—one of the most delicate is managing confusion, anxiety, or agitation when it arises. Learning how to redirect someone with dementia is a vital skill that helps caregivers guide their loved ones toward calm and comfort without confrontation.
At Town Square Fort Mill, we believe that redirection is not about control—it’s about compassion. By gently shifting focus, you can help a loved one with dementia feel safer and more connected to their surroundings.
Why Redirection Works
Dementia can impair memory and reasoning, leading to repeated questions, misplaced beliefs, or distressing behaviors. Trying to correct or argue with someone suffering from dementia in these moments often leads to frustration or escalation.
Instead, try incorporating verbal redirection; an empathetic technique used to compassionately distract and guide the person toward a more peaceful state of mind.
6 Verbal Redirection Techniques That Can Help
Here are some simple, effective ways you can practice redirection with your loved one suffering from dementia in a kind and patient manner:
1. ) Agree, Then Reframe
Instead of saying: “You already ate lunch.”
Try saying: “Yes, lunch was delicious, wasn’t it? And now we’re about to enjoy dessert!”
2. Ask for Their Help
Giving someone a task can shift focus.
Example: “Can you help me fold these towels? You always do it so neatly.”
3. Use a Memory Cue
More and more, studies have found that when you connect an action to a positive memory that a person with dementia has experienced, they are more likely to listen and understand what you’re trying to say. An example you could use to implement this is: “That reminds me of your favorite movie. Should we watch it together in the Starlite Theater?”
4. Introduce a Sensory Experience
With this gentle method, you can shift common scatterbrained thoughts, that a person with dementia may be facing, and point towards what can be felt or experienced in the current moment. An example of what this would look like is asking, “Would you like to smell this lavender lotion with me? It’s so calming.”
5. Validate Feelings, Redirect Gently
Communicating with someone who has dementia, can be a challenge. But if you take the time to converse in a productive manner that validates their feelings early on, you can help not only redirect their attention but make them aware that you’re listening to their concerns. An example of how you can use this method is by saying: “I understand that you’re upset. Let’s take a walk to Glenner Park and
talk more about it.”
Tips for Successful Redirection
- Stay calm and reassuring. Tone of voice matters more than words.
- Watch their body language. Step in early if you see signs of frustration or confusion.
- Be flexible. If one approach doesn’t work, try another.
- Create a routine. Familiar surroundings and activities help reduce anxiety.
At Town Square Fort Mill, our specially designed storefronts—like the cozy Little Blue House and vibrant Art Studio—are built to support gentle redirection through nostalgia, creativity, and social engagement.
Support for Families and Caregivers Who Are Trying to Redirect Loved Ones With Dementia
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Our trained team is here to support not just your loved one, but you, too. We offer:
- Dementia education seminars
- Caregiver support groups
- Expert-led memory care programs
Let our adult day center be a part of your care team. To schedule a tour or attend a caregiver workshop call us today at 803-591-9898 or visit our Fort Mill, South Carolina adult day care center today.
