Common Dementia Care Behavior in Marysville, CA

What are some common behaviors seen in dementia care?    

Dementia causes many behavioral and psychological changes in people suffering from it. If you're patient, compassionate, creative, and flexible, then you can help care for people when they need you most. People who care for persons with dementia often notice these things:

Agitation

Agitation is a symptom often associated with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. It can be challenging to fall asleep, get irritated, or behave in ways that are physical or verbal. You may become anxious if you feel tired, scared, or live in an unpleasant environment. Feeling out of control can also occur when people with dementia feel like they are not in control. If you want to reduce agitation, you can help someone with dementia by keeping their room clean, sticking to a schedule, cutting down on sugary foods and caffeine, removing dangerous items from the house, and playing calming songs while maintaining pleasant and relaxing conversations. It can also help if you allow the elderly and people with dementia to remain as independent as possible, for example, by letting them live at home rather than in an institution.

Wandering

Dementia patients tend to wander around aimlessly because they're bored, have side effects from a medication, or are searching for something or someone. It can be triggered by several reasons, including wanting a drink, being hungry, or needing to use the restroom. Protecting those with dementia in their daily life is crucial, especially when safety concerns arise. If you want to protect your elderly relative from becoming lost in their daily activities, there are several things you can do. You could put in locks that require a lock code or a key; tell neighbors and care providers about your elderly relative's wandering habits; give them your phone number, so they know where to call if they see your loved one, and make sure they always wear an identification bracelet.

Incontinence

As dementia advances, seniors may lose their ability to regulate their bladders or bowels. To prevent accidents, help your family member develop a toileting routine, buy incontinence products, ask a urologist or care provider to prescribe a device, and limit fluids before bedtime.

It may be frustrating and stressful at times, but showing respect and taking steps to minimize the intensity, disease progression, or frequency of the behavior is essential. Call us at (530) 208-5152 today to learn about our Alzheimer's and dementia care programs.