If you suspect perseveration, it may be helpful to get specialist advice from Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy or Neuropsychology and follow any guidelines re management e.g. distraction can often be effective in helping the person change their response/behaviour.
Recognise the problem and remain patient. Do not erroneously put perseverative behaviour down to the person being difficult.
If the perseverative behaviour is not causing any danger or distress to the person or anyone else in the vicinity, just waiting and letting the behaviour eventually come to an end may be helpful.
Give simple, clear, specific instructions regarding what the person needs to do to stop the perseverative action. Provide instructions one step at a time. For example, in order to help a person who is perseverating on putting salt on their food you could:
Say their name.
Hold out your hand.
Ask to ‘pass the salt’.
Ask to stretch their arm to you.
Ask to put salt in your hand.
Ask to loosen their fingers etc.
When the person manages to stop/switch a perseverative response, always reinforce e.g. say ‘thanks’ or ‘well done’.
Address issues of fatigue, anxiety, stress, distress, or ill health. Seek appropriate medical or other specialist advice.
list advice from Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy or Neuropsychology and follow any guidelines re management e.g. distraction can often be effective in helping the person change their response/behaviour.
