Ways to Deal with Challenging Behaviour in Dementia
We all want our loved ones to live a better life. However, ageing comes with a variety of challenges, and one of them is dementia.
As a progressive and irreversible clinical syndrome of cognitive decline, the behaviours of dementia impact people’s life quality. Home care services research and find proven and efficient approaches on how to deal with challenging behaviour.
The common behaviors of dementia affect millions of people worldwide to live their normal life. Aggression in dementia becomes more evident especially when people grow older.
The numbers indicate that by 2050 the number of people experiencing this challenging syndrome will reach 135 million, about twice as much as in 2015.
Challenging Behaviour in Dementia
Research shows that 1 in 10 people in the age group of 65 and older face dementia, while this number at the age of 85 and older reaches up to 35%. As a common symptom of this brain condition, aggression in dementia affects a significant proportion of people. The prevalence of aggressive behaviour in dementia can vary depending on the stage of the disease, the type of dementia, and the individual’s overall health and care environment, where dementia home care can make a significant change. Other factors such as pain, infection, medication side effects, and environmental triggers can also contribute to challenging behaviour in dementia. You might wonder what the solution is.
Navigating the Challenges of Aggression and Agitation in Dementia:
A Guide for Families
Every person with dementia is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. A team approach that involves family members, caregivers, and healthcare professionals is often the most effective way to manage these behaviours.
To help you deal with challenging behaviour and help the elderly improve their quality of life, you should follow some critical steps. Here are some steps to follow.
Spend quality time with the elderly: Encouraging social interactions and spending quality time with elderly individuals who have challenging behaviour related to dementia can have a positive impact on their overall well-being and quality of life. It can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, provide a sense of connection and companionship, and promote feelings of self-worth and dignity.
Understand the underlying cause: Understanding the causes will help you find an appropriate solution that addresses the specific needs of the individual. For example, if challenging behaviour is caused by pain or discomfort, addressing these underlying issues through medication or other medical interventions can help to reduce or eliminate the behaviour. In case of confusion, you can make a calm and comfortable environment that will help to reduce the risks.
Create a cosy and comforting environment: A warm, inviting atmosphere can promote feelings of safety and security, which can help to reduce agitation and restlessness. Some ways to create a comforting environment include providing access to nature, using warm colours, soft lighting, and comfortable furniture, playing soothing music or white noise, and many more. You can customise the environment based on the elderly needs.
Provide activities: Some activities for the elderly can help to reduce challenging behaviour in individuals with dementia by providing a sense of purpose and stimulation. Engaging in activities can also help to promote cognitive function and delay the progression of dementia symptoms. From social activities to physical exercises and more: find something that better meets your elderly needs.
Use positive reinforcement: Research shows that positive reinforcement can be an effective strategy for managing challenging behaviour in the elderly, particularly in individuals with dementia. Positive reinforcement involves using verbal praise, small rewards, or gestures of affection to encourage desired behaviours and discourage undesired behaviours.
Seek professional help: From seeing the doctor for medication management to choosing a trained caregiver for the proper care: professionals, such as doctors, caregivers, nurses, and therapists, have the training and expertise to help the elderly, as well as provide support and care for the person with dementia and their family.
Conclusion
To provide the needed comfort for your elderly, choose home care services. It will ensure that your loved ones receive the best care while maintaining their independence. Overall, home care is an important service that plays a vital role in the health and well-being of the elderly population.