Mrs. Duende carries your favorite stuffed animal with her everywhere. What plan of action is required to prevent conflict with Mrs. Yang?

Making eye contact, smiling, and complimenting Mrs. Yang is an effective strategy to foster a positive interaction and prevent conflict with Mrs. Duende. This approach is rooted in enhancing communication and building rapport, which can help de-escalate any potential tension or rivalry over the stuffed animal.

By engaging positively with Mrs. Yang, you create an environment that encourages goodwill rather than conflict. This method can make both individuals feel valued and respected, reducing the likelihood of jealousy or possessiveness regarding the stuffed animal. Having a calm, supportive demeanor allows the focus to shift from potential competition over the item to the social interactions among the individuals involved.

In contrast, other options may lead to confrontations or distress. Taking the stuffed animal away could upset Mrs. Duende, who may view it as a source of comfort and security. Encouraging sharing could be problematic if either individual is not open to it at that moment. Informing Mrs. Duende that it is time to put the stuffed animal away could provoke resistance or discomfort as it removes a personal comfort item without consideration of her feelings. Overall, the chosen approach emphasizes the importance of interpersonal connection to manage situations involving individuals with dementia effectively.