Caring for a loved one with dementia comes with many challenges. As the disease progresses, communication becomes more and more difficult, it becomes harder for the senior to think or act clearly and daily tasks become problematic, if not impossible. This is obviously frustrating for the senior who is living through it. But it’s also challenging for the caregiver, who bears the brunt of their loved one’s difficulties and challenging behaviors.
“Caregiving in and of itself is very stressful,” says Terry Tumpane, Executive Director at Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk located in Norwalk, CT. “For those caring for someone with dementia, there’s the added challenge of dealing with difficult behaviors that can be risky to the senior as well as those around them. That’s why it’s important for caregivers to understand the causes of their loved one’s behaviors and how they can be managed.”
We’ve put together some of the most frequent and challenging dementia behaviors below, as well as tips and tactics for how caregivers can manage them.
Challenge #1: Sundowning
Sundowning is when an individual’s sleep cycle is disrupted due to dementia. It often presents as anxiety, confusion and restlessness when night starts to fall.
Common Causes:
- Overstimulation before bedtime
- Being afraid of the dark (a common occurrence for dementia patients)
- Eating habits, such as too much sugar or caffeine
How to Manage:
- Encourage exercise every day, even if it’s just a walk around the block.
- Set a sleep schedule and stick to it so the senior has consistency and a chance to wind down.
- Be sure the path to the bathroom is well-lit and easy to navigate, or keep a portable toilet near the bed.
- Encourage a healthy diet by reducing sugar and other non-nutritious foods.
Challenge #2: Anger and Aggression
Flares of anger towards caregivers and other loved ones are common in dementia patients, and is often rooted in the chemical and physiological changes the individual is experiencing.
Common Causes:
- Being frustrated by not being able to complete an everyday task
- Physical discomfort or pain, whether from a wound or a symptom from illness or disease
- Mistrusting the individual to whom the aggression is directed
- Overstimulation such as loud noises, or a room that’s too hot or too cold
- Feeling confused, like they’re in an unfamiliar place
How to Manage:
- Remember that these outbreaks are a common part of dementia. It’s hard, but you must remember not to take the anger personally.
- Let the anger run its course, making sure that your loved one is safe and not at risk of harming anyone.
- Practice redirection by distracting your loved one with an activity or changing the conversation.
- Avoid physical contact until the situation becomes manageable. Even though you may want to be comforting, physical contact can often make the situation worse.
Challenge #3: Wandering
Wandering is when an individual with dementia leaves home or another area without the caregiver noticing. This is an incredibly unsafe situation and can cause danger for the individual as well as the caregiver.
Common Causes:
- Stressful situations or environments that are over-stimulating can cause individuals to want to escape
- Thinking they’re following an old routine, like heading to work even though they’ve been retired for years
- Discomfort or pain, which causes the individual to become lost because walking around can relieve the symptoms
- Being bored or not having enough stimulating activity
- Becoming lost or disoriented while trying to take care of a basic need like using the toilet or getting something to eat
How to Manage:
- Reduce noise in the senior’s environment, which will help reduce stress and anxiety
- Make sure the senior is getting enough physical activity and exercise
- Meet with the doctor to make sure the individual isn’t trying to escape pain or discomfort
- Put away keys, wallets and anything else that an individual would take when leaving the house
- Provide reassurance that everything is okay
Challenge #4: Hallucinations
This is when a person with dementia sees or hears things that don’t exist. Eventually, all of the individual’s senses can be affected, including taste, smell and feeling.
Common Causes:
- The gradual decline of memory and senses
- Overstimulation, such as a loud television or radio
How to Manage:
- Contact the senior’s physician, who can help you determine the causes and provide assistance.
- Make the environment calm and comforting by reducing glare, removing loud noises and making sure the rooms are clear and open.
- Redirect the individual’s attention through a favorite game, a song or anything else that can shift the focus.
Challenge #5: Hiding and Hoarding
As dementia progresses, seniors may begin hiding or hoarding items to maintain a sense of control.
Common Causes:
- Not being able to distinguish important items from trash
- A desire for security or fear of being robbed
- Boredom and being understimulated
- Forgetting where they’ve put items like the remote, keys or wallets
How to Manage:
- Are the items they’re collecting or hiding dangerous or hazardous to their health? If so, remove them. If not, sometimes it’s best to not worry about it too much.
- Trade the senior a “safe” item for a dangerous item. For example, trade fresh apple slices for a rotting apple core, or exchange new socks for dirty ones.
- If you’re getting rid of certain items, let your loved one know they’re going to help someone (whether through a charitable organization, or a church, etc.). This may make it easier to let them go.
Being a caregiver for someone with dementia can be filled with obstacles and challenges. But understanding the reason for these behaviors can help you provide your loved one with the care, love and support needed throughout the memory loss journey.
If you would like more information about understanding and managing dementia-related behaviors, contact us at 203.523.0510.
Compassionate Care for All Stages of Memory Loss
Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk provides assisted living memory care that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia or memory impairment, we’ve created a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents each and every day.
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At Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk, our services are designed to recognize and adapt to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident, while ensuring comfort and safety. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide a high level of personalized attention for every resident through all stages of memory loss.
Community Amenities
Within a beautiful residential design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Norwalk provides everything residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias need to enjoy comfort, familiarity and security. Soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations create a peaceful and secure environment where residents feel at home.