When asked why she hit the nurse, she replied that it was painful when the lotion was applied. I am looking for guidance on how to talk to my relative about her behavior. Taking into consideration that she has dementia, do I even bring up the hitting behavior?
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The staff will know next time to go slower, show the cream container, maybe even get your Aunt to apply the cream herself (if she can) with their help. Or two staff - one to distract while the cream is applied.
In her shoes, your elbow or whatever hurts. A nurses touches the sore part so you swat them away or hurt back. Makes sense, right?
If you have no official status, stay out of it altogether. If you’re her health care advocate, talk with the DON. But discussing it further with LO has no practical purpose.
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My daughter was doing a wound on a woman with Frontal Dementia. It was on the foot. Next thing she knew is the woman punched her in the head. My daughter asked her why she did it. The woman said "I don't know". They don't know. Something that goes thru their mind and disappears.
You don't talk to her about it because she is not rational enough in her mind to understand you.
She now has disinhibition, which means if you hurt her suddenly she will react automatically by hurting YOU.
Those who treat people in general understand this.
Maybe discuss with the admins... if she starts taking swings at people for other reasons this may become a problem to address.
Speak with the DON at her facility and ask them what they are planning to do to help with this situation.
Best wishes to you and your family.
And I would not say anything to your loved one as I imagine they don't even remember what they did.