Dementia can cause a great deal of fear and insecurity for those suffering from it. As a means of seeking reassurance and comfort, people with dementia may engage in shadowing behavior. This means they persistently follow their caregiver around throughout the day, needing to keep them in sight. They seek the sense of safety that their companion’s presence brings, looking to this person to help them navigate the complexities of daily life. They may forget that anyone is around if they’re not in the same room, or they may simply feel more secure being with others.
Shadowing can become exhausting for caregivers. They may struggle to find a moment for themselves when their loved one is constantly demanding their attention. In turn, caregivers’ stress could increase anxiety for the person with dementia.
Let’s examine the behaviors and risks of shadowing, and the role that home care can play in alleviating this challenge.
Behaviors Associated with Shadowing
People with dementia who engage in shadowing behavior may become agitated when they can’t see their caregiver. Or, they may seem anxious and confused. They may also wander around to look for someone, which could put them at risk of falls or wandering off.
For some people, shadowing may happen more often in late afternoon or early evening. During these times, anxious behaviors often increase for people with dementia, known as the sundowner effect. Constant shadowing can be exhausting for the loved one with dementia, too, who may rarely pause to rest.
How to Respond to Shadowing
What should you do if your loved one is shadowing you? Here are three ways to cope with the issue and create a sense of calm for both of you.
Provide Reassurance
Say reassuring words throughout the day to instill a sense of safety, recommends the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation. You can also record your voice saying reassuring things and play it for your loved one when you’re not around. Try to create a controlled environment with simple, predictable routines, and consider playing calming music, they add.
Follow Clear Routines
Involve your loved one in simple, enjoyable, and safe activities. Some people shadow because they want to participate more in daily tasks, which gives them a sense of purpose. They struggle to do things like fold laundry on their own, but they can mirror someone as they do these tasks.
Ask for Help
Getting help with your loved one’s care can also provide much-needed personal space. Caregivers typically find they can return with more patience and understanding when they have regular breaks and the chance to care for their own needs. Home care aides can ensure your loved one stays safe and feels secure while you’re away. They can keep them calm, spending time with them when you can’t.
Many families find that companion care greatly reduces the stress caused by behaviors like shadowing. With in-home care, they feel less overwhelmed by these behaviors. Their loved one will probably feel calmer as well, since quality elder care provides them with more of the attention and reassurance that they crave. Caregivers can redirect them if they start to focus on where their companion is, helping them focus on something uplifting and positive.
To schedule a free nurse consultation, give us a call. We’ll walk you through how skilled elder care can help meet your loved one’s needs.
