While it is a lovely thought to have a client who is calm and contented all the time, this is not always the case with live-in care. In fact, it is likely to be the exception to the norm in many placements.
Overactivity can be extremely stressful for the carer, not to mention the family who may arrive to find mom constantly patrolling the house and garden.
Is this Dementia?
It is a well - grounded fact that people who suffer from Dementia demonstrate what is known as ‘five 0’clock’ syndrome. This is where at about 5 pm they will start to become restless. They appear to be on a mission to do something, and then forget what it was they were going to do.
There are several theories about this syndrome, with the most widely recognized one being that many years ago that was the time when the lady of the house needed to do something.
She may have had to start preparing supper for the family. She may have needed to collect the kids from somewhere or even meet her husband at the bus stop.
Whatever the reason, she needed to be doing something at that time and she is trying to do it now – and has forgotten what it is.
If your client has Dementia, and this happens, then you can talk to the doctor to give some medication which will simply calm things down.
It’s not Dementia
This becomes quite an issue for the carer because there is never a minute in the day when the client actually sits down and stays there. You may find that they are constantly on the move and keeping up with them requires all the patience you have.
It may help to have an activity blanket on hand so that at least they will stay in on place for a few minutes while you do other things, like start supper.
If your client is interested in programs on TV then you may be able to distract them for short times while you do other things. Even a short distraction will keep them seated for a time.
If your client is capable, you may be able to involve them in food preparation and so keep them near you.
Should your client become paranoid about the house keys (as many are), and insist on keeping them with her, you need to speak to family or next of kin and have a second set made for the carer. It will be only a matter of time before your client hides the keys so well that you cannot find them!
With the permission of the GP there are several herbal teas available which have calming side effects. You may be lucky in finding one of these which help to slow your client down.
If you simply cannot keep an eye on your client and make meals, you may want to enlist the help of another person such as a neighbor, who can sit with your client for a short time while you catch up with other things.
Final thoughts
If your client and their constant moving around is becoming a serious issue, you must talk to someone about it. Your agency may recommend something, but most likely the doctor will prescribe something to calm them down, even for a short while.
It is important that in situations like this, you continue to have your own breaks. This will give you a change to relax and shut off from the situation for a short time.
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