2.4.4 Hand-Under-Hand Technique

Hand-under-hand technique is useful if a client with dementia requires more assistance than simply a touch or verbal cue. Extend your hand towards your client as you would to initiate a handshake. Hold their hand in the handshake position, but then smoothly maneuver up and around their hand, allowing you to clasp their hand, your thumbs placed together. From this position, you can guide your client’s movements through controlling their arm from wrist to shoulder (Dementia Care Central, n.d.).

Through the hand-under-hand technique, you can assist your client with using a utensil to eat. While you are the one providing the manipulation and holding the utensil, your client is able to go through the motions of feeding themselves with your assistance (Dementia Care Central, n.d.).