Managing Behavioral Changes in Dementia
- Angela Fairhurst
- Nov 26
- 3 min read
How Geri-Gadgets® Provide a Practical Solution
At Geri-Gadgets®, we’ve seen how engagement through touch and motion can shift the entire atmosphere of any care environment. Our patented SafeTouch™ silicone sensory tools are designed to deliver exactly that — safe, washable, and soothing ways to occupy the hands and calm the mind.
Here’s how they work:
1. Redirecting Restless Behaviors
Restlessness is one of the most common challenges in dementia care. People may fidget, wander, or repeat actions as a way to release nervous energy. Geri-Gadgets® offer a constructive alternative. Each bucket — whether Flowers, Shapes, or Fidget Gidget® — includes tactile, flexible pieces that invite exploration. The feel of the silicone, the gentle resistance, and the simple act of manipulation help focus attention and channel energy into something positive.
When the hands are busy, the mind often follows. Caregivers report that those who frequently wander or pick at clothing can stay calmer when Geri-Gadgets® are introduced into daily routines.
2. Improving Mood
Engagement brings joy — and joy changes everything. The playful, colorful design of Geri-Gadgets® encourages curiosity and creativity. Completing a small task, like arranging shapes or linking a chain, provides a sense of accomplishment that directly boosts mood.
In group settings especially, these activities can lead to shared laughter and conversation. Even brief moments of connection can break the cycle of frustration and sadness that often accompanies cognitive decline.
3. Promoting Calm
Touch has the unique ability to soothe the nervous system. The SafeTouch™ silicone material used in every Geri-Gadgets® bucket feels smooth and familiar, often compared to the texture of human skin. This tactile quality promotes relaxation and trust, lowering stress for both the individual and the caregiver.
Many professionals now integrate Geri-Gadgets® into de-escalation strategies — using them to redirect agitation or anxiety before it escalates, including during personal care moments like transitions, mealtime, or bathing, when stress levels often rise. The act of handling the objects — squeezing, stretching, or arranging — becomes a mindful moment that restores calm.
Evidence in Action
The impact of sensory and cognitive engagement isn’t theoretical — it’s happening daily in care communities and homes.
At one memory care center in California, a resident who often shouted during transitions began receiving a Geri-Gadget® during her morning routine. Within two weeks, her episodes of vocal distress had dropped significantly. Staff noticed she became calmer and more cooperative when her hands were occupied.
At another facility, an activities director used the Shapes bucket during group sessions. Residents who typically sat apart began participating, passing pieces around the table, and commenting on the colors. The director described it as “the first real sense of group connection we’d seen in weeks.”
These stories highlight what research consistently supports: non-pharmacological interventions can reduce behavioral symptoms while enhancing quality of life.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Managing behavioral changes in dementia requires a holistic approach — one that prioritizes safety, comfort, and dignity. Sensory engagement, such as that provided by Geri-Gadgets®, complements other evidence-based strategies:
Maintaining consistent routines and familiar surroundings
Providing gentle redirection instead of confrontation
Reducing noise and visual clutter
Offering opportunities for movement and purposeful activity
Using calm, reassuring communication
When caregivers combine these environmental and sensory strategies, the result is often fewer behavioral episodes and greater emotional stability.
Authentic Significance
Families and professional caregivers who incorporate Geri-Gadgets® into their daily routines consistently report improved engagement, decreased agitation, and a more peaceful atmosphere. The products provide a constructive outlet for energy, curiosity, and emotion, transforming potentially stressful moments into opportunities for connection.
The value of these tools isn’t just in what they do, but in what they represent — a commitment to compassionate, person-centered care that honors each individual’s humanity.
Take Action with Us
Behavioral changes in dementia don’t have to mean chaos or conflict. With empathy, understanding, and the right tools, they can become pathways to connection.
At Geri-Gadgets®, our mission is to make that connection easier. We believe every person, regardless of cognitive ability, deserves the chance to participate, to be understood, and to feel joy.
Connection lives beyond memory.
Best,
Angela Fairhurst
Founder & CEO
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