Judy was well into the 1st stage of Alzheimer’s Disease, according to her doctor. In her earlier years, she had loved cared for many children and babies. She continued to show love for them even as she progressed into her disease.

Just as the sun was going down, Judy opened the side door to the outside. Snow was coming down at a good clip, and Judy was concerned about the children who were outside playing when it was getting dark. There were no children to be seen in the caregiver's REALITY. There were children to be seen in Judy’s REALITY.

Judy told her caregiver, “ Those kids won’t come in the house!” The caregiver looked out the door with Judy and asked her if the kids could hear her. Judy opened the door and called once more. Again, Judy tells the caregiver that the kids would not come.

Judy’s caregiver had a conversation with Judy about what the children were doing, who they were, how long they had been out, etc. Judy was able to lessen her frustration by the conversation. The caregiver asked Judy if she wanted her to try to get them inside.

The caregiver role played with Judy until the children were safely inside. By meeting the client in the client’s REALITY, both the client and the caregiver moved on to a less frustrating evening.