If you are responsible for taking care of a loved one with dementia, then you know very well how difficult and challenging it can be. This is particularly true during the latter stages of the disease. With dementia, behavioural challenges can become more prevalent as the disease progresses, and even the personality of your loved one can change as well. Behavioural challenges and personality changes can best be met with patience, flexibility, creativity, and empathy. Following are some of the most important tips you can make use of to deal with difficult behaviour in someone with dementia.
Remember this:
First of all, you have to remember that the person with dementia has a disorder of the brain which can shape their present personality. If you attempt to control their behaviour, you may end up being unsuccessful or face resistance. What is important is to try to adapt to their behaviour and avoid controlling it, as the expert caregivers from www.coriniumcare.com confirm. For instance, if they want to sleep on the couch rather than in their bedroom, then just prepare the couch with blankets rather than argue about it. What you can change, however, is your own behaviour as well as the environment your loved one is in.
Confirm with the physician
Sometimes, behavioural changes can signal some underlying condition which needs to be addressed first. For example, your loved one may be experiencing pain due to medication and so on. In cases of incontinence or even hallucinations, you may be able to take advantage of specific treatment or medications which can help manage the problem.
What is the reason for it?
Behavioural problems will often have a purpose. The fact is that a person with dementia, especially in the advanced stage, when they are not able to communicate effectively in order to tell you what they need or want. They may perform an action that looks strange or irrational, but it may be just them trying to be productive or busy. You should always think about what they may be trying to express with their behaviour. Also, remember that behaviour can be triggered, such as a change in the environment or a change in routine. Approach it with logic and see if there have been any recent situations or changes that may have triggered that change.
Dealing with a condition like dementia may be hard for you, but your loved one may well be having a much more difficult time. Your loved one needs all the care and love they can get, and if their behaviour changes, there is always a reason for it. Address that reason, and you may just be able to make the situation less stressful for everyone.
