If there’s one thing that a caregiver dreads, it’s the constant movement of their loved one’s hands. It can be incredibly frustrating to see your mom or dad constantly fidgeting with their fingers and unable to do anything about it. But what exactly is fidgeting? And why does it happen? Fidgeting hands in dementia is when someone has trouble keeping still because they are nervous or anxious. This could include tapping one’s foot on the floor, wringing one’s hands together, playing with something in their lap, etc. You might think it’s just part of the disease, but there are some things you can do about it. Here are some techniques to help stop fidgeting hands in dementia:
Understand The Causes
If you notice that your loved one is fidgeting more than usual, it’s important to understand why. A number of things, including anxiety, stress and boredom, can cause fidgeting. Sometimes it’s also due to physical discomfort, for example, if they have poor circulation or an injury that’s been bothering them for a while but haven’t told anyone about yet.
Make A Routine For Them
Routines are important for people with dementia, as they can help give the person a sense of security and control. It also helps them feel like they are in control of their environment.
The best way to create a routine for someone with dementia is by starting small and working your way up from there. You don’t need to come up with something elaborate or complicated; simple tasks such as brushing teeth or washing hands will do just fine!
Offer A Massage
Massage is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety, which can help with fidgeting hands in dementia patients. You can offer a massage in the same way you would any other kind of touch: gently stroking their arm or hand with your fingertips, or better still, -with light pressure from your whole hand). If they’re receptive to this type of physical contact, you could place one hand on top of theirs while they hold something like a spoon or fork; this will allow both parties’ hands to stay busy without fidgeting too much!
Massage without oil is best if your loved one has sensitive skin; otherwise, try almond or coconut oil to moisturize their hands afterward. If music makes them feel more relaxed, turn on classical music while massaging them, or perhaps tell jokes!
Reminisce With Pictures And Videos
Keeping a photo album on hand is good, especially if your loved one has dementia. The memories triggered by these photos can help them stay engaged in conversation and may even help them remember things they have forgotten. You can also use videos of people they know or places they have been to trigger memories. If you want them to share some of those stories with you, ask them about the photos or videos and what they think about when looking at them!
Conclusion
A number of things can cause fidgeting. One should find the cause as a first step to addressing the issue. A good way to do this is to ask the person why they are fidgeting and see if they have an answer that makes sense. If not, you may need to consult your doctor or other medical professionals who can evaluate them further.
