{"id":1404,"date":"2021-01-18T11:12:09","date_gmt":"2021-01-18T16:12:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/volunteer.circleofcare.com\/?p=1404"},"modified":"2022-01-21T11:13:55","modified_gmt":"2022-01-21T16:13:55","slug":"responding-to-dementia-related-behaviour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/volunteer.circleofcare.com\/index.php\/2021\/01\/18\/responding-to-dementia-related-behaviour\/","title":{"rendered":"Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviour"},"content":{"rendered":"

For many caregivers, one of the most difficult aspects of caring for a loved one with dementia is coping with the changes in behaviour and personality that set in as the disease progresses. To those unfamiliar with how dementia affects the brain, these actions, words and gestures might seem extreme or uncalled for. But in reality, the person with dementia is expressing something important about their personal, social or physical environment. It\u2019s for this reason that these behaviours are called\u00a0responsive behaviours<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Types of responsive behaviours could include, but are not limited to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 agitation\/restlessness
\n\u2022 physical aggression
\n\u2022 pacing\/fidgeting
\n\u2022 wandering\/exit seeking
\n\u2022 hurting self or others
\n\u2022 sexually expressive behaviours
\n\u2022 hoarding\/hiding<\/th>\n		\u2022 disruptive sleep patterns
\n\u2022 inappropriate language\/cursing
\n\u2022 negativity
\n\u2022 repetition
\n\u2022 suspicion\/paranoia
\n\u2022 hallucinations
\n\u2022 sundowning (late-day confusion)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
<\/div>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s understandable that for some caregivers, family members or friends, these reactions can lead to many emotions including frustration, embarrassment, sadness, and even fear,\u201d says RN Madeline D\u2019Arpino, supervisor at Circle of Care\u2019s\u00a0Adult Day Program<\/a>. \u201cEven though we might not be able to see a reason for the behaviour and it seems irrational to us, it\u2019s important to validate the feelings that come along with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

For example, a person with dementia might excitedly claim that their mother will be coming to visit them in the afternoon, even though you know their mother passed away fifteen years prior. Or they may fearfully accuse you of starving them; however, you just fed them lunch only fifteen minutes earlier. It\u2019s really important to listen and hear the words they are saying. Being present and calm may be all that is needed to de-escalate a situation, D\u2019Arpino says, because those statements accurately reflect their reality and their emotions at the current time.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s important to meet people where they\u2019re at instead of trying to reorient them to reality since this usually causes distress. Instead, try asking them to tell you about their mother, or talk about their favourite foods. This can help deescalate the situation, and help maintain your relationship and trust with your loved one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Additional Supports for Family Caregivers<\/strong><\/p>\n