How to Handle Difficult Dementia Behaviors in Public

Welcome back Careblazer!

I'm happy to be here. Today I’m going to talk about a simple way to handle any embarrassing behaviors or comments your loved one may say to others when out in public. 

But first, I just want to give a heartfelt thanks to all of you who have subscribed to my channel and continue to support the Careblaozer movement AND are committed to giving great care to your loved one with dementia. It really means a lot. Thank you. If you haven’t already subscribed, all you have to do is hit that red subscribe button on your screen, it’s completely free and it will ensure you don’t miss any new video announcements. Thank you. 

Okay, let’s get started. 

Have any of your ever cringed at the times when you take your loved one in public? Worried about what they might say or do in public? I’m sure many of you have experienced some embarrassing moments when you felt at a loss of what to do or say to others who experienced your loved one’s behavior. Some of you may have just stopped taking your loved one out in public with you for exactly this reason. 

In today’s video, I want to share a simple idea that can help you respond when your loved one does something in public that is odd or rude to others. 

Many times the frontal lobes, the part of the brain that controls our social behaviors, it stops us from saying all our thoughts out loud, it allows us to pick up on cues from others about our behaviors and what’s appropriate behavior for the situation, start to deteriorate in dementia. So, while you might not be a fan of the clothing your waiter is wearing when you are out to eat, you probably don’t say anything to the waiter. Your frontal lobes are working. If you are hot and you are wearing pants in public, you probably don’t pull down your pants in public and walk around in your boxers or undies. Another sign your frontal lobes work. 

Well in dementia, those frontal lobes often suffer and it’s the reason your loved one says things and does things that are completely embarrassing or out of social norm. 

Something you may want to consider making and carrying with you whenever you are in public with your loved one are small cards that explain the situation. Writing whatever you feel comfortable with but making it short and simple, you can write up a card explaining the situation. Something as simple as my loved one has thinking problems and sometimes does things that are unexpected. Thank you for understanding. You can simply pass that to the person your loved one may have just offended without having to explain yourself or saying anything in front of your loved one which may lead to even more behavior problems from your loved one if you start talking about them in front of them.

Here is an example of a card I made up that you are welcome to copy or use an example or starting point for your own version. I hope it helps you feel more comfortable when you are out in public with your loved one. 

Have any of you ever tried this approach before? How did it work for your situation. Let me know by leaving a comment below and as always, I’ll be back next week with another video. 

Keep up the good work Careblazer, bye.