What would she really enjoy doing, something that would make her feel better? Bring her flowers? Take her out to lunch? Play her favorite music before you leave so that she's relaxed and in a good mood? Would she remember if you promised a treat like one of these for good behavior?
Equally important, what's the nature of the meeting? Is it potentially controversial, or upsetting?
Lockie, are you familiar with Teepa Snow? She has great videos on managing dementia patients.
I would make sure that you are both well fed and well rested. With her doc's permission, I would give her a low dose of anti-anxiety medication. I would use a wheelchair. And I would hire an aide to help manage her.
From your profile: "I am caring for my mother Dot, who is 83 years old, living in my home with alzheimer's / dementia, anxiety, arthritis, hearing loss, incontinence, mobility problems, stroke, and urinary tract infection."
"Best behavior" implies that the person has some control over their behavior. With dementia, new, unfamiliar situations are stressor and can trigger untoward behavior.
Is your mother's presence at this meeting mandatory?
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Equally important, what's the nature of the meeting? Is it potentially controversial, or upsetting?
I would make sure that you are both well fed and well rested. With her doc's permission, I would give her a low dose of anti-anxiety medication. I would use a wheelchair. And I would hire an aide to help manage her.
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"Best behavior" implies that the person has some control over their behavior. With dementia, new, unfamiliar situations are stressor and can trigger untoward behavior.
Is your mother's presence at this meeting mandatory?