Dementia Care in Manchester: Managing Challenging Behaviours in Someone with Dementia

A dementia diagnosis can be catastrophic for the person affected and those who provide care. The behaviour of people with this illness is unpredictable. Some become over-aggressive or anxious, while others perceive things differently or act suspiciously or confused. Approach [Your Company’s Name] for the best Dementia care in Manchester and give your loved one a patient-centred model of care. Now let’s understand how to manage different challenging behaviour in your loved one having AD or Dementia.

Aggression

It is vital to find out the cause of aggression in Dementia patients. Is it a physical factor like insomnia, medicinal side effect, or pain? Is it an ecological factor, such as feeling lost, under-stimulation, or overstimulation? Or is it because of communication barriers, for example, complex caregiver instructions or protruding anxiety? Try to explore what triggers aggression, understand their feelings, move their focus to something relaxing, and eliminate discomfort as a source of stress. If aggression is occurring more frequently, contact an expert.

Anxiety

Most people with Dementia have an anxiety disorder as well. Several things can lead to anxiety, such as various medical conditions, shifting to a new place, changes in the caregiver’s arrangements, misinterpreted threats, or anything that impacts the atmosphere around a Dementia patient. As a care provider, you must find what’s making your loved one anxious. Reassure them with comforting words like “you’re safe here” or “I won’t go anywhere until you feel safe.” Your purpose is to make sure they understand that you are there for them no matter what happens. Build a soothing atmosphere by removing any distractions or nuances. Introduce them to music, yoga, art, or anything that helps them feel positive. Determine their personal needs like bathing, thirst, hunger, fatigue, and full bladder).

Confusion

The best way to handle a confused Dementia patient is to stay calm and don’t take anything personally. It’s indeed difficult and painful to be called by a different name or not recognised but try to control your feelings. Answer with a short explanation and don’t be too descriptive. Use pictures or visual gestures to explain things. Also, offer calm and mild corrections instead of scolding or criticising them. For example, say something like “I thought it was a bowl rather than a cup” or “I think he is your grandson.” People with Dementia are prone to Delirium, an acute confusional state of mind. Providing your loved one with reliable Dementia care in Manchester can help reduce the chances of reaching a Delirium state.

Wandering

Even if you are very responsible and committed to your caregiver duties, you can’t completely prevent your loved one from wandering. Follow these tips to lower the chances of wandering:

• Make a routine of daily activities.
• Determine the most likely time when your loved one wanders
• Focus on reassuring your loved ones when they feel lost, disoriented, or deserted.
• Make sure their basic needs are met.
• Keep your windows and doors locked.
• Use alert signals whenever any door or window opens
• Provide supervision
• Key any vehicle key out of reach
• Use nightlights

Final Words

The primary cause of this behaviour is damaged brain cells. But what makes things more difficult is the odd behaviour of a Dementia patient. It leads to frustration, misunderstanding, and depression between the caregiver and the individual with Dementia. You must not go through all this alone. Follow these tips or contact us for individualised Dementia care in Manchester for your beloved family member.