In our local caregiver support group, caregivers whose family members have a type of dementia (such as Lewy body dementia) report that their family members follow them around and may become anxious if the caregiver is not at their side. Shadowing likely derives from fear or anxiety, but the cause could be boredom. You, as the caregiver, might ask yourself, “what can I say to my family member that is reassuring?”
While some experts note that shadowing is more likely in the late afternoon or evening, which is the same time that sundowning can occur, our local support group members find that shadowing can happen any time of day. However, the approach to shadowing may be the same as the approach to sundowning — trying to reassure the person with dementia.
Tips for dealing with shadowing include:
- have a predictable daily routine
- play music that is familiar to the person with dementia
- regularly invite in home care aides, friends, or family so that you are not the person with dementia’s only source of emotional or social support
- consider an adult day care program for your family member with dementia
- identify some repetitive tasks that the person with dementia can perform that may provide them some meaning or sense of purpose
- before leaving home, set an alarm clock that will go off after you plan to return, telling the person with dementia that you will return before the alarm goes off
- say reassuring words several times a time, such as “You are safe. I love you.”