Creekview Nursing and Rehabilitation on Dealing with Three Common Dementia Behaviors.
Dementia in all its forms, including Alzheimer’s disease, doesn’t only attack its victim; it’s debilitating for family members, as well.
The disease causes changes in the brain, which can make the victim act like a totally different person. And to make matters worse, there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Mid- to late-stage dementia is a downhill slope — symptoms don’t level off or get better; things just get worse.
It’s important for family members — especially if they’re serving in a caregiver capacity — to know that the disease is causing the changes in their loved ones.
In addition, knowing some of the potential roadblocks, and how to handle them, are key. Creekview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center wants to detail three of those common problems.
- Aggressive Actions or Speech
Anger and drastic mood swings are common in advanced dementia patients. The complex nature of the brain isn’t working correctly, so sufferers tend to fall back on more primal ways of dealing with stress and fear — by yelling, hitting, or kicking.
If you find yourself in this situation, the best course of action is to speak in a calm, reassuring manner that doesn’t escalate the issue. Try to put yourself in their shoes and understand what may be frustrating or scaring them. Arguing or trying to physically restrain the person will likely escalate the situation, rather than diffusing it.
2. Confusion About Living Situation
For patients who have recently moved into a memory unit or a similar senior living facility, confusion about their living situation will likely take hold. They will want to return home to the place they were more familiar with. The important thing to do here is not to try and reason with the person and explaining how the facility is now the best place for them. The best thing to do is bring items familiar to them that will make their new place feel like home. Photos, blankets, small pieces of furniture, or anything else of sentimental value that will present a calming influence can be brought into the new space.
3. Increasing Mistakes and Lack of Judgment
Someone living on their own but suffering more and more from dementia will start to have trouble keeping their lives in order. You may notice unpaid bills and new magazine subscriptions. The person may misplace something and then accuse you of stealing it. Again, your response needs to be non-combative. Don’t point out the mistakes they are making and their inability to continue living on their own. Instead, try to be a human back-up system. Take a look at checkbooks and bank statements to make sure that bills are being paid. A friendly offer to help make sure the records are being kept properly is a good way to start the conversation.
The common denominator in all these scenarios is to not disagree with the patient. Even a white lie or two, like when dealing with a child, may be necessary.
To learn more about Creekview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and all of the services they offer, visit http://creekviewnursing.com/.
