Dementia comes with many challenges, but difficult behaviors can be some of the hardest to overcome.
When your once sweet and calm parent starts cussing at you, throwing things or insulting you, it can often leave you feeling lost and hopeless. Behavior and personality changes are a common occurrence in people who suffer from dementia, but luckily, you aren’t powerless and you don’t have to face them alone. Our memory care specialists in Chapel Hill are here to help! The following is our list of tips for managing difficult, dementia-related behaviors:
#1. Talk to the doctor.
A sudden change in behavior could be a sign of a health issue, like a UTI, and it could also be a side effect of a medication your loved one is taking. That’s why it’s important to consult a doctor before you do anything else to address the difficult behavior.
#2. Develop a regular routine.
People are very much creatures of habit, and we like to know what to expect. People who have dementia are the same way, and if they have a familiar routine, it can make them feel much safer and more comfortable.
#3. Encourage your loved one to help.
We all like to feel useful and needed. If your loved one is able to, encourage them to take part in daily activities and chores. Even something as simple as dusting, sweeping, setting the table or folding laundry can give them a purpose and help them to feel like they’ve accomplished something.
We have just a couple more tips for you for managing difficult, dementia-related behaviors. Please stay tuned for our next blog to learn more.
