Sometimes, patients with Alzheimer’s disease begin to follow their caregivers around constantly, mimicking and becoming very anxious if the caregiver leaves. This behavior is known as shadowing, and it is common in dementia patients. Shadowing seems to be compelled by the individual’s feelings of uncertainty and stress. Their caregiver often represents the one facet of their life that feels safe and familiar, and this can be a lifeline they cling to. If the caregiver leaves the room, runs an errand, or even just uses the bathroom, the person with Alzheimer’s may suddenly feel scared, unsure, and agitated.
Shadowing as a Challenging Behavior
Alzheimer’s patients exhibit quite a few challenging behaviors, notably paranoia or aggression. While shadowing is not as dramatic or difficult, it does present a significant obstacle for caregivers. Those coping with shadowing behavior can feel claustrophobic and get burnt out very easily – since their loved one never allows them a moment alone. Even taking an uninterrupted shower without anxiety can seem nearly impossible.
One way to alleviate the frustration of being constantly shadowed is to remember that your loved one is experiencing fear and anxiety that they cannot process. Understanding the root cause of the behavior – fear, not purposeful irritation – can help caregivers to reassess and see things from a different perspective. It is also essential that the caregiver find opportunities to take a break and spend some time away from their charge from time to time. Even the most committed, compassionate, and patient caregiver needs a respite. To preserve emotional health, caregivers should schedule some private time, whether to take a shower, run some errands or just walk in the sunshine. To help your loved one cope, set a timer and assure them that you’ll return when the timer rings.
If you do not have a support system that can provide needed breaks, look into a part-time home health aide or respite care from an area assisted living facility. Taking time off on a regular basis will help you to recharge your emotional energy so you can continue with your caregiving role.
How to Minimize Shadowing Behavior
Help them to participate in engaging activities: One way to lower the incidence of shadowing is to get your loved one involved in activities they enjoy and find meaningful. These activities don’t have to be structured or complicated – they can be fun, simple, and enjoyable activities right in their own living room. In fact, you can incorporate them into a daily routine that helps to provide an air of familiarity that inspires comfort. The important aspect to keep in mind is that the activity should be meaningful to your loved one in order to captivate their attention and keep them focused on something other than you. They can help you fold laundry, do a jigsaw puzzle, or paint – as long as they find it soothing and relaxing.
Give them snack therapy: The Alzheimer’s Association recommends what they call “gum therapy” or “cereal therapy” for your patient obsessed with shadowing. This simply means that you provide the individual with some type of snack or gum to occupy them and keep them focused. Be sure the snack is unlikely to cause choking.
Play their favorite music: Music is known to provide solace to people in a wide range of challenging situations, so providing headphones with their favorite songs is a great way to capture their attention. You may even want to record yourself speaking in the middle of the songs in order to reassure them of your presence. Music benefits many dementia patients, as the familiarity can be soothing.
Sometimes, the burdens of caregiving become too great for one person to handle. If that is your situation, you should know that assisted living or memory care are viable alternatives for your family. At A Banyan Residence, we provide the needed care so that you can relax and enjoy your time together. Call today to learn more.
