Hi, my dad had stroke and he has also been diagnosed with vascular dementia and is very fidgety. He picks on his Depends until the cotton is everywhere. I’ll tell him he’s doing it and to stop in a nice way, he says ok and continues to tug. What can I get so he can’t pull at them? He also slides down in any chair to where he’s almost on the ground. Any suggestions?
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Ssearch Alzheimer's anti strip clothing on Amazon. Ativan can help with agitated behavior, too, and OCD picking.
Sliding down the wheelchair does come from strokes which can cause imbalance in the body and loss of core strength in general. My mother had a terrible time with slumping over in her wheelchair after a couple of strokes. A chair cushion from physical therapy helped some, or a rough towel on the seat to prevent slipping. A wheelchair w a high,back that means BACK is your best bet, but even then it can get bad to where he's bed bound. The carers just kept lifting mom back into an upright position, over and over, basically.
Best of luck to you
There are also adult "onsies" that will help prevent him from picking at the brief.
Try redirecting him to fidget with something else. Give him a toy or something else for him to fiddle with.
My Husband chewed on things I gave him teething toy.
You could also try to get him to fold towels, pair up socks.
The block toy Jenga might give him something to do.
No matter what you give him watch if he starts to chew on anything make sure it is safe.
He will not "get it" when you try to correct him.
Redirection is the name of the game.
Try "Dad I know this bothers you how about you work on this project for a bit" Then give him something else to occupy his hands.
Give him time to react, absorb what you have said. It takes someone with any dementia a little while to hear then process what you have said.
But while you redirect him validate what he must be feeling.
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I am so sorry. I wonder if it is not time to consider some placement so Dad can be moved more safely.
I hope others have better answers for you than I have.
My heart goes out to you both.
Some people have used those pad you use under rugs to keep from slipping on a chair.