While assisting a resident with dementia with oral care, the resident grasps your arm and attempts to push you away. What is the most appropriate response?

Question: While assisting a resident with dementia with oral care, the resident grasps your arm and attempts to push you away. What is the most appropriate response?

Answer options: ✅ Gently release yourself, stop the procedure, and attempt to re-approach after a short break.

• Firmly tell the resident to stop and continue with the oral care quickly.
• Call another HCA to help hold the resident's arms to complete the oral care.
• Document the resistance and skip oral care for the day to avoid conflict.

Correct answer: Gently release yourself, stop the procedure, and attempt to re-approach after a short break.

Explanation: When a person with dementia resists care, it's often due to fear or confusion. Stopping, stepping back, and re-approaching later or trying a different technique is part of a gentle persuasive approach, prioritizing safety and dignity.