What does Dr. Kellyn Lee say about dementia patients asking to go home?

Dr. Kellyn Lee suggests the phrase might indicate anxiety, safety concerns, or a lack of recognition of their current environment as home.

Why might a dementia patient express a desire to 'go home'?

This can stem from feeling unsafe or not recognizing their present location as their actual home, reflecting underlying emotional distress.

How should one support a dementia patient who says 'to go home'?

Support involves understanding their potential anxiety or feeling of unsafety and acknowledging their perception of their surroundings, rather than dismissing the statement.

Home / Health / Dementia's 'Go Home' Plea: Psychologist Explains

Dementia's 'Go Home' Plea: Psychologist Explains

30 Nov

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Summary

The phrase 'to go home' from dementia patients may signal anxiety or safety concerns.
Dr. Kellyn Lee suggests the phrase could indicate a patient doesn't recognize their current setting as home.
Supporting dementia patients requires understanding individual contexts and potential feelings of unsafety.

Dementia's 'Go Home' Plea: Psychologist Explains

Psychologist Dr. Kellyn Lee has shed light on the potential meanings behind a dementia patient's plea to 'go home'. While cautioning against broad generalizations, she suggests such statements often arise from underlying anxiety or concerns about personal safety. The expert's view highlights that for individuals with dementia, the feeling of home is paramount.

In a recent online video, Dr. Lee, CEO of the Dementia Care Hub, addressed viewer questions about this specific expression. She elaborated that if a person with dementia asks to go home, it could signify a lack of feeling safe in their present surroundings. This insight is vital for caregivers seeking to provide appropriate comfort and security.

Furthermore, Dr. Lee pointed out that even in a care home setting, the 'go home' request might mean the individual no longer perceives their current location as their actual home. Recognizing and validating these feelings, rather than dismissing them, is a key aspect of compassionate dementia care, emphasizing the need for personalized support.

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