Caregiving 101: 5 Tips for Dealing with Difficult Alzeihmers Behaviors

You’d probably think you’ve mastered the art of patience and care after dealing with multiple personalities in your lifetime…

And you were probably right…

Well…

That was probably until you’ve had to take care of an individual affected by Dementia/Alzheimers.

As if the constant forgetfulness wasn’t hard to deal with, then the aggression! Deep within you, you know they don’t mean it but then it’s still extremely difficult to deal with.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be a pretty challenging and emotional journey.

As the disease progresses, it’s common for individuals with Alzheimer’s to exhibit difficult behaviors, such as aggression, agitation, and confusion.

These behaviors can be hard to handle and may leave caregivers feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.

In this article, we’ll provide you with five tips for dealing with difficult Alzheimer’s behaviors. But before we continue, here’s a list of difficult behaviors to look out for.

• Wandering
• Incontinence
• Agitation
• Repetitive Speech or Actions (Perseveration)
• Paranoia
• Sleeplessness/Sundowning
• Excessive eating/Nutrition Bathing

1. Understand the Root Cause of the Behavior

One of the most important things to remember when dealing with difficult Alzheimer’s behaviors is to try to understand the root cause of the behavior. 

Alzheimer’s disease affects the brain, and it can cause individuals to experience confusion, frustration, and fear. It’s important to remember that the behavior is not a deliberate attempt to upset you, but rather a symptom of the disease.

They don’t mean what they do. Most times, the reactions you see are being triggered by something else. For eg., Dehydration is known to lead to difficulty in sleeping and excessive eating.

You ensure they have water bottles constantly filled with water and Tada! Problem solved. By understanding the root cause of the behavior, you can approach the situation with more empathy and patience.

2. Practice Effective Communication – Practice TALKING.

Don’t be too quick to get upset. Talk first, and be patient while communicating. Effective communication is essential when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s.

As the disease progresses, individuals may have trouble expressing themselves and understanding what others are saying. It’s important to speak slowly and clearly, using simple words and short sentences.

It’s also important to maintain eye contact and use gestures and body language to convey your message.

Avoid using a tough tone and remember to remain calm and patient, even if the individual becomes agitated or confused. Getting upset and emotional only escalates the problem.

3. Create a Calming Environment

Individuals with Alzheimer’s can become overwhelmed and agitated in certain environments.

Creating a calming environment can help to reduce stress and anxiety.

You can create a calming environment by minimizing noise, reducing clutter, and using soothing colors and lighting. It’s also important to establish a routine and maintain consistency in the environment.

This can help to reduce confusion and anxiety and create a sense of familiarity.

4. Redirect Attention

When an individual with Alzheimer’s exhibits difficult behavior, it can be helpful to redirect their attention.

This can be done by providing a distraction or engaging them in an activity that they enjoy.

For example, if the individual is becoming agitated, you can try redirecting their attention by suggesting a walk or engaging in a favorite hobby. This can help to shift their focus away from the behavior and onto something more positive.

5. Seek Support

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be emotionally and physically exhausting. It’s important to seek support from friends, family, or a professional caregiver.

There are also support groups available for caregivers, where you can connect with others who are going through similar experiences.

Seeking support can help to reduce stress and anxiety and provide you with the tools and resources you need to provide the best possible care.

In conclusion, caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be very frustrating sometimes.

Dealing with difficult behaviors can be challenging, but by understanding the root cause of the behavior, practicing effective communication, creating a calming environment, redirecting attention, and seeking support, you can provide the best possible care for your loved one.

Remember to be patient, empathetic, and kind, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.