Ways to Deal with Dementia Behavior Problems and Dementia Care in Phoenix
People with
mid-to-late stage dementia often present challenging behavior problems. People
with the disease experience anger, confusion, fear, paranoia and sadness that
can result in aggressive and
sometimes violent actions.
Handling
Dementia Behavior:
Communication
difficulties is one of the most upsetting aspects of caring for someone with
Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, it’s frustrating for those with the
disease as well as their loved ones. It is difficult to understand why people
with dementia act the way they do which can be attributed to their disease and
the changes it causes in the brain.
For
Alzheimer’s or Dementia care, it’s advisable to consider an assisted living
facility such as Senior Sanctuary of Anthem for your loved one to receive the
best form of care. It’s an award-winning assisted living Anthem facility
in the region.
Here are
some common situations that arise when someone has dementia. Read to know more
about how to respond calmly and effectively in situations where your loved one
says something shocking:
Aggressive
Actions- According
to the Alzheimer’s Association, keep in mind that your loved one isn’t doing it
on purpose- physical discomfort, environmental factors such as being in an
unfamiliar situation, or even poor communication are some of the triggers.
Sometimes, aggression comes from pure fear. The best way to respond to
aggression caused by dementia is by trying to identify the cause. Try to shift
their focus to something else once you’ve made sure they aren’t putting
themselves or anybody else in danger, talk to them in a calm and reassuring
manner. Do not ever engage in an argument or force the issue that’s creating
the aggression.
Confusion- Alzheimer’s causes progressive
damage to cognitive functioning, that is what creates the confusion and memory
loss. Your loved one may question you about where he or she is (confusion about
place & time), simple explanations along with photos and other tangible reminders
can prove to be beneficial. Lengthy explanations or reasons is a big NO as you
can’t reason with someone who has Alzheimer’s or Dementia.
Poor
Judgment- Behaviors
showing poor judgment or errors in thinking is due to the deterioration of
brain cells caused by Alzheimer’s, it can contribute to delusions, or untrue
beliefs. Some of them are obvious problems such as when someone is hoarding
household items, or accuses a family member of stealing something. The best way
to respond is to assess the extent of the problem. Never blatantly question the person’s
ability to handle the situation at hand, or try to argue with them which will
only serve to the anger and put them on the defensive.
Effective
Communication Strategies for Dementia:
1. Dementia inevitably worsens with time
which will gradually make it difficult for people with dementia to understand
others, as well as communicating in general.
2. When talking to someone with
Dementia, refrain from “babytalk” and speak clearly and naturally in a warm and
calm voice.
3. When addressing someone with
dementia, avoid pronouns like “he,” “she,” and “they” during conversation,
refer to people by their names. For example: “Hi, Grandma.
It’s me, Kate,” is to be preferred over, “Hi. It’s me.”
4. If you don’t understand something
your beloved is telling you, politely let them know.
5. Understand that people with dementia
will have ups and downs just like anyone else.
6. Have patience and give your loved one
extra time to process what you say.
7. Let go of delusions and misstatements,
do not try to correct every inaccurate statement made by your loved one.
8. Using non-verbal cues can be helpful,
for instance, maintain eye contact and smile that helps put your loved one at
ease and will facilitate understanding.
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