One of the trickiest aspects of dementia care to get to grips with when caring for a loved one is dealing with behavioural changes. Dementia can not only take away an individual’s capability of remembering past events and people close to them, but it can also change their behaviour. It is not unheard of for a usually mild-mannered person to begin exhibiting agitation and frustration episodes.
These behaviours can be quite a shock to family and friends, making caring for a loved one a difficult and emotionally draining undertaking. This is where an experienced dementia carer can step in. A live-in carer with specialist expertise in dementia care can help to manage the common behavioural symptoms that are associated with dementia. With the help of home carers, families can feel safe in the knowledge that their loved one’s care is in safe hands.
Below, we explore some of the most effective strategies for dealing with challenging behaviour in dementia patients. But for more information on dementia care and how this can help, take a look at our live-in dementia care guide.
Behavioural symptoms of dementia
In addition to the cognitive and physical symptoms of dementia, this condition can cause emotional distress and behavioural difficulties. As dementia progresses, the symptoms generally worsen, with episodes of confusion and frustration becoming more frequent and severe. Being aware of the various ways dementia affects a person’s behaviour is integral to beginning to understand what your loved one is going through.
Common behavioural symptoms of dementia may include:
- Repeating the same question again and again
- Fidgeting and restlessness
- Wakefulness and sleep disturbance
- ‘Shadowing’ or following a partner or carer around the home
- Disinterest in their usual activities
- Low mood
- Agitation and frustration
- Lack of empathy
How can a live-in carer help
A live-in dementia carer can help individuals to manage the behavioural symptoms of dementia through their experience dealing with this condition. Live-in dementia carers are specifically trained to handle the behaviours associated with dementia and minimise distress experienced by the individual and their family.
Here’s how a live-in dementia carer can help with behavioural symptoms of dementia:
- Approach care and communication difficulties with sensitivity and patience
- Reassure the individual during episodes of distress
- Ensure that the home environment is quiet and calm
- Encourage pleasurable activities to distract and give joy
- Work with other healthcare experts e.g. therapists to help manage behaviours
- Make sure that individuals have a daily routine
- Encourage physical activity
- Ensure good sleep hygiene e.g. regular sleeping patterns
Tips for dealing with behavioural changes
The behavioural changes associated with dementia can become challenging to manage if you have never encountered caring for someone with this condition before. However, alongside finding a suitable live-in carer, there are a few handy tips and tricks to make caring for someone with dementia easier:
Reassurance
To minimise feelings of anxiety or distress in a person living with dementia, it is important to provide reassurance. Reminding them that they are safe at home and using breathing techniques to calm them down can mitigate an episode of anxiety.
Patience and understanding
Patience is an essential part of caring for an individual with dementia. Not only is this useful when communicating with someone who experiences forgetfulness, but understanding is also necessary during episodes of mood swings.
Avoid confrontation
In the later stages of dementia, individuals may develop behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Symptoms such as agitation and verbal and physical abuse can be distressing to encounter. However, it is important that carers, whether family caregivers or professionals, remain calm and avoid confrontation. Even walking out of the room to give the individual some space can help cool the situation down.
Distraction techniques
For fidgeting behaviours and restlessness, distraction techniques can be helpful. Redirecting attention towards a new activity, such as going for a walk, reading a book, or listening to music, can help to reduce these behaviours.
Consider medication
There are certain medications available out there to address the typical behaviours linked with dementia. Individuals with dementia may benefit from consulting their GP about antidepressants for low mood, anxiolytics for anxiety and antipsychotic medications for aggression and hallucinations.
How Country Cousins can help
The gentle support of an experienced dementia carer allows individuals to effectively manage the behavioural symptoms of dementia. Not only can a Country Cousins’ dementia carer provide much-needed behavioural support towards the individual, but this service can also offer reassurance for their family, too.
With more than 60 years of experience, we have extensive expertise in a wide range of home care services, with dementia care at home being one of them. You can trust us to help you find the most suitable carer to support your loved one in line with their personal preferences and wishes. For more information on selecting dementia care for you or your elderly loved one, check out our guide to dementia care.
Talk to our team today
If you require live-in care for you or your loved one, get in touch with us at Country Cousins today. We are the UK’s longest-serving introductory care agency, having provided compassionate care to people in their own homes since 1959.
Give us a call today on 01293 224 706 should you have any questions about home care. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form
