Often when mid-to-late stage dementia presents itself in your loved one, this can create challenging issues – such as behavior. Let’s look at some common symptoms and effective solutions to support your loved one with dementia.
What Is Typical Dementia Behavior?
Some of the emotional symptoms a dementia patient can experience include anger, confusion, anxiety, and sadness. They can even become irritable and aggressive. As a caregiver, this range of emotions can often become overwhelming. Your loved one may go from disoriented and confused, to struggle with communication.
While it’s hard to understand why a dementia patient acts the way they do, be sure to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of the disease. Here’s a look at how to handle typical behaviors.
Aggressive Behavior
It’s not unusual for a dementia patient to get angry, aggressive or sometimes violet – especially toward another resident or caretaker. Examples of aggressive speech can be such as, “I don’t want to shower!” “I don’t want to eat/drink that!” “Leave me alone!” Try to remember that your loved one with dementia isn’t acting like this on purpose, it can be triggered by something else, such as pain, discomfort, or unfamiliar environment.
The best way to respond to this action is to try and identify the cause. Are they in pain? Are they overwhelmed? Once you feel the patient isn’t putting themselves or anyone at risk, try to calm them down by shifting their focus and speaking calmly.
Confused about Time or Place
If you’re loved one is in a memory-care or assisted living facility, they may express a desire to go home. The dementia patient could have delusions or hallucinations of where they are, and wander off.
A recommended way to make moving a smooth transition is to redirect your loved ones’ focus. They may state, “Why are we leaving?” Make your answer short and not lengthy, then focus on something else. You have to figure out what is going to make the person feel safe.
Poor Judgement
It’s common for caretakers to have experienced poor judgment and confusion among their loved ones with dementia. They may accuse someone of stealing or moving their possessions, or they may have trouble with basic everyday math – such as balancing a checkbook or giving appropriate change. It can be heartbreaking to watch your loved one struggle with the simplest of concepts and get defensive when the issue is brought up.
As a caregiver, you can often lessen any frustration or embarrassment by offering to help if you see a problem arise. If your loved one with dementia gets defensive, try flipping through their paperwork on your own. If an item is missing, offer to help them find the item.
If you need more advice, tips or overall help with care, give us a call at (203) 520-0116.
Located in Greenwich, CT, CT Help at Home is proud to be a top-rated home health care provider in Fairfield County, CT, Westchester County, NY, Manhattan, NY and beyond. Our clients are our family and we treat everyone with compassion and care. Contact us today to see how we can help you and your loved ones: (203) 520-0116.