Honesty- Not Always the Best Policy When Caring for Alzheimer’s Patients
Posted by Lauren Batalka on Thu, Aug 05, 2010
Therapeutic Fibbing is a technique often used when caring for patients who have Alzheimer’s or dementia. Its purpose is to avoid further harm or upset and it involves telling a patient a white lie in order to prevent anxiety, emotional damage or hurt. As caregivers, we need to understand that it is acceptable to alter the truth to protect our patients and loved ones because they have little or no recognition of reality anymore.
Caregivers and family members face hurdles every day when caring for someone with dementia. It is essential for caregivers to meet the patient where they are and enter into their reality. If we enter into the patient’s world, ultimately, there will be less anxiety and stress. Confrontation will only cause more outbursts and disruption. We must consider the damage that telling the truth will do, versus telling a fib.
Therapeutic fibbing is one of many helpful techniques that caregivers can utilize. Here’s how:
Situation: An Alzheimer’s patient refuses to take a shower.
Solution: Mrs. Smith, your daughter wants to take you out for dinner tonight when she gets home from work. We want to make sure that you look your best for her. We can pick out a special outfit for you to wear after you get your shower.
Situation: An Alzheimer’s patient wants to have dinner ready for her husband when he gets home from work. (Her husband passed away five year ago).
Solution: I would love to help you with dinner, mom. What do you think Dad would like to have tonight? (Hint: Don’t mention the fact that he’s been gone for five years. Act as if he is still alive. Mom doesn’t need to go through the pain of learning that her husband has died if she believes he is still alive).
Situation: You’re introducing a caregiver to your parent who has Alzheimer’s Disease. (Most patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia will not accept new caregivers easily. One way to introduce a caregiver to the home is to bring them for a different reason).
Solution: Dad, this is John. He is from our church and thought it would be nice to play a game of cards with you. He is a good friend of Pastor Smith.
Most of us were raised with the belief that lying is not a good thing. But when caring for a patient with dementia, therapeutic fibbing is an act of love and kindness.
Learn more about our Friendly Visit Program for those who may be resistant to care.