April 4, 2025 by
You’ve likely experienced it before: an older loved one with dementia becomes stuck on a thought, anxious about something that isn’t a real threat, or determined to do something unsafe. No amount of logic seems to help. Trying to reason with someone with dementia only escalates the situation. It’s frustrating, emotional, and exhausting.
But what if there were a way to ease the tension, shift their focus, and bring calm instead of conflict? That’s where the art of redirection comes in.
What Is Redirection in Dementia Care?
Redirection is a compassionate way to guide a person with dementia away from distressing thoughts or unsafe behaviors by shifting their attention to something else. Instead of arguing or correcting, you gently introduce a new topic, activity, or sensory experience to help them move past the moment of distress.
Think of it like steering a canoe down a river—when you hit rough waters, you don’t fight against the current. You adjust, finding a smoother path forward.
Why Logic Doesn’t Work
It’s natural to want to correct misunderstandings or reassure with facts. But dementia changes how the brain processes information, making it difficult for a person to hold onto new details or see things from your perspective. Telling them they already ate lunch, that their long-passed loved one won’t be calling, or that they’re perfectly safe at home can cause even more agitation.
Rather than challenging their reality, redirection allows you to meet them where they are.
How to Use Redirection Tactics Effectively
Mastering redirection takes practice, but these tips can help:
- Stay Calm and Go Along With Their Reality. If the person insists they need to leave for work, despite having retired decades ago, resisting the urge to correct them can prevent frustration. Instead, you might say, “It’s early; let’s have some coffee first,” or, “I’ll help you get ready in a bit. Let’s pick out an outfit.” By validating their feelings and gently shifting the focus, you create a smoother transition.
- Engage Their Senses. Sometimes, a sensory experience can do more than words. If they’re stuck on an anxious thought, offering a warm cup of tea, turning on soothing music, or handing them a familiar object can shift their attention naturally.
- Use a Change of Scenery. If emotions are running high, a simple change in environment can work wonders. Stepping outside for fresh air, moving to a different room, or suggesting a short walk can help reset their focus.
- Ask for Their Help. Giving them a sense of purpose can be an effective redirection tool. If they’re fixated on something upsetting, ask them to help with a simple task, like folding laundry, setting the table, or organizing a drawer. Even if the task isn’t necessary, the feeling of being needed and engaged can be calming.
- Introduce a Favorite Topic. Does the person light up when talking about old family vacations, a beloved pet, or their favorite music? Keep a mental list of topics that bring them joy and use them as go-to redirection tools when needed.
- Use Positive Body Language. Your tone, facial expressions, and body language all matter. A frustrated or rushed response can escalate the situation, while a warm smile and gentle touch can make redirection feel natural and reassuring.
When Redirection Doesn’t Work
There will be moments when no amount of redirection seems to help. In these cases:
- Give it time. Take a step back and try again in a few minutes.
- Stay patient. Avoid showing frustration, as this can increase their agitation.
- Check for underlying causes. Discomfort, hunger, fatigue, or needing the restroom can sometimes trigger distress.
Our Dementia Care Team Can Help
We would love to share more dementia care tips to help you provide the best possible care for someone you love. We’re also available to provide hands-on assistance from extensively trained, experienced dementia care experts. Contact us any time at (315) 579-HOME (4663) to schedule a free in-home consultation to learn more about our dementia care in Syracuse, Salina, Clay, and throughout Central New York.