Dementia is a progressive condition that can alter the way people think, feel, and act. It’s common for older adults living with the condition to lash out verbally at their loved ones. In some cases, the confrontations are physical. Below are some of the behavioral changes seniors with dementia often experience and what family caregivers can do to address each issue.
Repetitiveness
When aging adults are nervous and anxious, dementia can increase the risk of repetitive behaviors. They may find it challenging to make sense of their surroundings. For example, if your senior loved one forgets who your children are, he or she could get nervous because of their presence and continue to make the same movements, such as pacing back and forth. Your loved one could also continue to ask you who the children are, even after you’ve answered several times. The best way to handle this behavior is to provide reassurance. You may need to ask others to leave the room until you’ve calmed your parent down.
Screaming
Boredom, inactivity, and feelings of loss and distress can increase the risk of screaming. If your parent is unable to communicate, he or she may scream to get your attention. Try to understand your loved one’s feelings and avoid talking over him or her. When you take the time to explain your actions, check your loved one’s comfort levels, and try to engage his or her senses, it could reduce distressing behavior and provide comfort.
Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for the help they need. We provide high-quality in-home care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Sleep Disturbances
Waking up multiple times during the night is common for older adults with dementia, and it can negatively affect their mental and emotional health. The brain deterioration caused by dementia makes it difficult to differentiate between night and day, leading to restless nights. Lack of sleep can increase the odds of aggression and confusion in adults with dementia. To address sleep disturbances, increase your loved one’s daytime activities, both physical and cognitive. You should also promote daily routines with consistent wake-up times.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Livingston families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
More Accusations
One of the symptoms associated with dementia is memory loss. Seniors may have difficulty remembering basic things, such as who individuals are, what particular objects do, or where they placed items. If your parent begins misplacing objects or forgets about purchases he or she has made, your loved one might accuse you of stealing.
Instead of yelling, remain calm and help your loved one retrace his or her steps. Once you find the money or misplaced items, your family should develop strategies to prevent the issue in the future, such as putting limits on your loved one’s credit cards and using video monitors around the home. Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Livingston families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life. To create a customized care plan for your loved one, call us today.
