Challenging Behaviors

Living with a person that has a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia is difficult.  Dealing with forgetfulness, adapting the environment, and providing structure becomes the new normal for many families.  What you may not expect is yelling, biting, hitting or other acts of physical aggression.

Not everyone with dementia will exhibit behavioral expressions, but many will.  As the disease progresses the brain will have physical changes.  When changes occur in the brain this can cause changes in personality and challenging behaviors can occur.

Suggestions for families:

• Remember it’s not the person’s fault, it is a physical change in the brain. Families often assume that the person is purposely being difficult and that is not usually the case.
• Become a detective and investigate why it may be happening. Is there an unmet need the person cannot communicate? For example, are they cold or in pain?  Do they need to use the bathroom or are they hungry/thirsty. It may take time, but it will be time well spent if you are able to determine the cause.
• Did something trigger a behavior? Sometimes a loud noise, or something on television can be the source of big emotions.
• Sometimes a change in the environment might help. Take a walk, provide an activity or play music.

You know your loved one best.  Like I said earlier, dementia causes physical changes in the brain.  Throughout my career I’ve worked with many families who have a loved one with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Managing challenging behaviors is stressful.  It’s important to take breaks whenever you can.  Remember, it is the disease and not the person.

Questions to ask if you are considering placement in a memory care:

• Ask about their experience with challenging behaviors? You want to be honest about what you have been experiencing at home.  You want to be certain that the staff are prepared to meet the challenges they might encounter.
• What is their process for dealing with behaviors? Medications can help and should not be the first line of defense.
• Ask what the process would be if a behavior issue arose with your loved one. You want to know if you will be called to help intervene.

Where to get help:

When it comes to moving a loved one with behavioral expression you need to do your homework.  The team of certified senior advisors at Choice Connections have experience in helping families navigate finding the right memory care facility in the Twin Cities.  You can learn more by visiting www.choiceconnectionsmn.com