When a person has Alzheimer’s disease, their brain cells gradually die off. While memory loss is the change that most people associate with Alzheimer’s, it also causes changes to the senior’s personality and behavior. Common difficult behaviors that may occur with Alzheimer’s disease include wandering, aggression, repeating questions or phrases, and being suspicious of others. While some techniques may work well for one person but not for another or only in certain situations, there are some general rules you can follow to deal with difficult behaviors that arise in people with Alzheimer’s. Here are some of them.

Figure Out the Cause

Try to determine what is causing the behavior. Some behaviors happen because the person is frustrated or uncomfortable. Check to see if there is something causing discomfort, such as pain, hunger, thirst, or needing to use the bathroom. Behaviors can also be caused by confusion, so examine the environment to see if there is something bothering them, such as noise or shadows.

Minimize Behaviors with Routine

You may be able to minimize incidences of difficult behaviors simply by sticking to a routine. Familiar actions and things are comforting to people with Alzheimer’s disease. It can also help to write daily information on a white board that the person can look at throughout the day. Include information about any special events that will happen that day, such as a doctor’s appointment or a visitor. Write down the name of the caregiver who is with them, the day of the week, and the date.

Offer Reassurance

Often behaviors occur because of anxiety or fear. If that seems to be the case, reassure the older adult that you are with them and will keep them safe. Speak in a calm and soothing voice and use gentle touch.

Provide a Distraction

Use the forgetfulness of Alzheimer’s to your advantage by distracting the senior from whatever is bothering them. Offer a favorite snack or get them involved in an activity. If they are repeating a question or phrase, try changing the subject. Or, ask them to help you with a simple task, such as folding clothes or setting the table.

Dealing with difficult behaviors can be exhausting and emotional. Home care can give family members a break from caregiving duties by taking care of the older adult while they take some time off. Home care agencies are often to match the experience of the provider to the needs of the older adult. As a result, it’s likely that the home care provider sent to care for your older family member will be experienced in dealing with Alzheimer’s behaviors. They may even be able to share some helpful tips with you!

Sources

https://www.alz.org/national/documents/brochure_behaviors.pdf

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/managing-personality-and-behavior-changes-alzheimers

If you are considering home care in Lynchburg, VA for an aging loved one, please talk to the caring staff at Acti-Kare of Blue Ridge. Call 888-451-5273. Our office provides senior care and home care services in the following locations including Blue Ridge, Lynchburg, Salem, Roanoke, Smith Mountain Lake, and Bedford in Virginia.