Gentle Redirection Techniques for Dementia Caregivers

Dementia can sometimes cause older adults to say or do things that may not fully align with present reality.

A person may believe they need to leave for work despite being retired, or ask to speak with a loved one who passed away many years ago. Others may insist they need to “go home” even when they are already there.

These behaviors are often linked to changes in memory, confusion, fear, unmet needs, or time-shifting, when a person believes they are living in an earlier chapter of their life.

For caregivers, it can be tempting to correct the person or explain why their belief is inaccurate.

However, arguing or repeatedly trying to reorient someone with dementia may just increase frustration, anxiety, or agitation.

One, among many, strategies caregivers can use a technique called redirection.

Redirection involves calmly guiding the person’s attention toward another conversation, activity, object, or environment instead of correcting or arguing with them.

For example, if the person says, “I want to go home,” avoid arguing or immediately correcting them by saying, “You already are home.”

Instead, try responding to the emotion behind the statement then redirect with something an activity they like: “I know you miss home. Let’s sit down for a little first and have your favorite snack.”

You can also try redirecting through involvement.

For example: “Before we go, can you help me water the plants first?” “Before we go, can we go for a short walk first (then point out flowers, birds, decorations, or other things around them while walking)?”

Changing the environment then gently redirect their attention toward something comforting or familiar can also help reduce distress or overstimulation.

For example: “Okay, let’s go home, but let’s stop by the kitchen first (then play familiar music).”

You can also try starting a gentle conversation or complimenting them to help shift their attention.

Try: “That shirt looks really nice on you. Do you have other shirts like that?”

You can then gently redirect the conversation toward another activity, such as looking through clothes together, folding laundry, walking to another room, or helping with a simple task. It’s important to remember that the person has an unmet needs such as hunger, thirst, pain, discomfort, needing the bathroom, loneliness, overstimulation, or fatigue, redirection won't work.

Sometimes behaviors are the person’s way of communicating that something is wrong or that they need comfort, reassurance, or physical care.

Because of this, it is still important for caregivers to observe the person carefully and look for triggers behind the behavior.

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