A person who has dementia may exhibit challenging behaviors for many reasons. Being sensitive to the emotion behind the behavior can help to manage stress and frustration.

• Seek a doctor’s advice to determine if there is a medical cause or if medications are causing adverse side effects.

• Limit outside noise, clutter or the number of persons in a room.

• Keep to the same routines.

• Reduce caffeine intake.

• Do not move objects and furniture.

• Dot the environment with familiar objects that promote pleasant memories.

• Try gentle touch, soothing music, reading or walks.

• Speak in a reassuring voice.

• Distract the person with a snack or activity.

• Learn to recognize behaviors – an agitated state or pulling at clothing, for example, could indicate a need to use the bathroom.

• Do not try to restrain the person during an agitated reaction.

• Keep dangerous objects out of reach.

• If agitation increases at night, a nightlight may reduce confusion.

• Acknowledge the person’s feelings.

Join us at Alcoeur Garden's Toms River location on the first Saturday of every month for a free Caregiver Support Group and additional tips on caring for someone with Alzheimer's or any form of dementia and on how to deal with caregiver stress.

Reference: alznj.org

#dementiacare #bricknj #TomsRiverNJ #alzheimers #dementianj #AlzheimersAssistedLiving #AssistedLiving #memorycarecommunity #caregiver #caregiversupportgroup #AlzheimersNewJersey #supportgroupnj #memoryimpaired #memorylosssupportgroup #aggressivebehavior #oceancountysupportgroup #causesofdementia #signsofdementia #cognitivesymptoms #braindisease