Ways to cope with changed behaviours
Ways to cope with changed behaviours
Suggestions for coping with changed behaviours include:
Provide a calm, unstressed environment in which the person with dementia follows a familiar routine – this can help to avoid some difficult behaviours.
- Try to keep the environment familiar. People with dementia can become upset if they find themselves in a strange situation or among a group of unfamiliar people where they feel confused and unable to cope.
If behaviour becomes difficult, do not attempt any form of physical contact such as restraining the person, leading them away or approaching them from behind. Leave them alone until they have recovered or call a friend or neighbour for support.
Don’t take changed behaviour personally.
Try not to raise your voice. Speak slowly in a calm and reassuring voice.
Avoid punishment. The person may not remember the event and is therefore not able to learn from it.
Try to remain detached; do not become provoked or drawn into an argument.
Source: Dementia - changed behaviours - Better Health Channel
