Dementia Care Uses Hand-Over-Hand Technique

A number of years ago I attended a caregiving seminar hosted by the Alzheimer's Association.  During the presentation, the speaker mentioned a technique a few times called "the hand-over-hand method". I had never heard of this way of assisting persons with dementia.  What was it?

The concept of the "hand-over-hand" technique is beyond simple and can be used by anyone to assist a person with dementia in many tasks.  How does it work?

You, as the caregiver, put your hand over the hand of the person who has dementia and gently guide them to the activity at hand.  If the task is walking, you would put your hand over their hand and slowly lead them down the hall, maybe clasping both your hands around their hand.  If the task is stirring the cookie batter, you would put your hand over their hand and "show" them the motion used to stir and do it with them.  You can use this strategy for helping people get in and out of chairs, brushing teeth, turning on televisions, combing their hair, you name it.

The technique reminded me of the way we were taught to assist those with visual impairments; only in that case, you would have them grab your arm and you would lead the way.

At the time I first heard about this at the seminar, I felt silly because I didn't know what it was.  After I understood and saw the simplicity of the method and started to use it, I could see how beneficial it could be to caregiving interactions.

First, you are introducing the element of touch, which is welcomed by most folks.  Second, you are helping them stay independent by having them do it themselves and putting their arm/hand back into a usually familiar movement, which is a reinforcement of past memories.

I'd like to hear if readers know about this technique and if so, how have you worked with it successfully?  Share your stories!!

Comments

[Hand tools]

Hello!I got the most reliable knowledge about task is stirring the cookie batter, you would put your hand over their hand and "show" them the motion used to stir and do it with them. You can use this strategy for helping people get in and out of chairs, brushing teeth, turning on televisions, combing their hair, you name it.

[Ruth Ferris]

Hi thank you for the article. I used to do this with my mom, but I never new it had a name. I wrote about your article because I think it is a very valuable technique.
Ruth

[Sue]

Hi Ruth: Same as you, I used this technique for a long time before knowing it had a specific name. It works very well and is comforting at the same time.

Thanks for writing!

Sue