Strategies for managing problem behaviours associated with dementia?

Here's a 5-point plan to get you started with managing problem behavio(u)rs associated with dementia.

First, have knowledge of the disease--whether dementia or it's leading cause, Alzheimer's or other, such as Parkinson's, Huntington's, vascular...

Second, be realistic about what you are able to do. As our loved ones decline in their ability, more falls upon the caregiver.

Third, seek out those who can help you. Sources of help: family, neighbors, friends, community organizations.

Fourth, talk with your loved one's doctor to learn of any therapies that may help level out the range of symptoms--anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, paranoia, wandering, hallucinations...

Finally, and most importantly, look after your own health. If you're the primary caregiver and are too ill or stressed out to provide care, what use is it even trying to prepare for the road of caregiving?

Brenda Avadian, MA

TheCaregiversVoice.com

Well, it really depends on the specific behavior.  When I'm asked this question by a family that I'm helping I like to know exactly where the struggle is occuring.  For example:  if you are having trouble bathing your loved one I might suggest the following:

1.  Make sure the room is warm while he/she is bathing. 

2.  If showers or bathes make your loved one upset, trying a warm bath blanket while your loved one is in bed.

3.  Explain each step before you do it.  For example:  Dad I'm going to put warm water on your head now.

4.  Encourage independence.  Give your loved one the opportunity to do as much as possible for himself.

5.  Keep a routine.  Make sure you try to stick to that routine as much as possible.

6.  Validate feelings and help put those feelings into words.

Unfortunately, problem behaviors can be an issue for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.  Typically, becoming agitated or upset is not the fault of the person, but symptoms of the disease.

There are helpful techniques you can utilize to communicate effectively with someone diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.  Try and stay calm, while also providing reassurance and support at all times.  It is important the person understand you are not upset and you are there to help.  You can also utilize distraction in order to allow the individual with Alzheimer's disease to focus on something less upsetting.  You must be creative while remaining in a positive mood.  Distraction works in combination with redirection, which allows the person to focus on some other activity or discussion.  Activities work better because they really engage the person's focus and attention.  If an individual is upset about taking a shower, redirect him or her to getting a drink or watching a TV and then possibly try the shower again at a later time.

Other helpful interaction techniques include speaking slowly and at the appropriate volume.  Show the person what you are trying to convey, in addition to saying it.  The use of body language, facial expressions and gestures are important.  Keep things simple and only offer one step at a time when trying to give direction.  Most importantly, smile and stay positive.  It is essential to show you are friendly and happy to be of assistance.

Hi I am not an expert but my husband has alzheimers and I have learned quite a few tricks to help him. Anything I need him to do is best done early, before 1:00. He is less likely to be angry or fight me. We clean his room early, bath early and medications early. If I need to discuss something with him it has to be early because afternoons he becomes more disoriented and confused and that is also when he is the most frustrated and angry. I try to make afternoons as plesant as possible but sometimes, Ok most times fall short. You will find your own way of handling these things as the disease progresses because each alzheimers patient reacts differently. That was the hardest lesson I had to learn, there are no set rules or guidelines that tell you what to do I don't think any one can do that this is a learning experience as you go along. Hang in there you will figure it out soon enough and keep asking questions and keep talking it will help you it has me. Living and loving with Alzheimers Connie