Let’s Rethink Dementia Care-Behaviors
Dementia and Behaviors
A person with dementia will experience challenges processing information and expressing wants, needs, and feelings verbally. As the dementia progresses, the person becomes more reliant on nonverbal communication, including expressing their needs through behavior.
Often these expressions are labeled as challenging or distress behaviors, when in reality it is the expression of an unmet need or a form of communication. Perhaps a better term would be behavioral expressions.
Causes of Behaviors
Challenging behaviors may occur because of:
- Pain
- Fear
- Inability to express and unmet need
- Loss of sense of self
- Inappropriate expectations from a caregiver.
It is important to remember that Behavior is a Form of Communication and it is up to us as care partners to observe, interpret and respond accordingly.
Communication Approaches
- Approach from the front– to reduce startling them and to gain trust and agreement.
- Move Slowly- Avoid spastic/sudden movements that could provoke agitation.
- Wait for a response– allow them time to process your request; this could mean waiting for 10-30 seconds.
- Eye contact- many dementia patients experience a loss of the peripheral visual field; therefore, it is important to try make eye contact directly in front of them.
Let’s Rethink Dementia Care!