Your Complete Guide to Understanding Dementia Behaviors

Your Complete Guide to Understanding Dementia BehaviorsMeta Description - Do you want to learn about Dementia behaviors? The article presents vital information about Dementia patients and their behavior.

Dementia is a common disease. Almost 50 million people suffer from this disease all over the world. Dementia weakens a person terribly, so people who are suffering from this disease need a constant caretaker.

Taking care of a person with dementia is tiring and highly challenging. You need a deep understanding of this disease's nature, triggers, causes, and ways to handle such a patient. Moreover, one must learn to use different tools to take care of a dementia patient.

The main aspect of dealing with dementia patients is recognizing their behavior and responding accordingly. If you do not have much idea about dementia behavior, this article can be your best guide. You will find some common dementia behaviors and ways to respond positively in this article. So, keep reading.

What To Know While Dealing With A Dementia Patient?

Here, some of the key points are mentioned which will help you to deal with a dementia patient;

• You must first understand that whatever the patient says or does, you must not take it personally. In dementia, the mental condition of a patient changes rapidly, and they suffer terribly. So, you may witness dramatic changes in their behavior.In most cases, people with dementia deal with confusion, loneliness, fear, and isolation. As such, you may provide the patient with assurance that they're in a place that takes care of their interests.
• You need to show your love and care to a dementia patient. If you get angry, things will get worse. Avoid engaging in arguments and doing triggering gestures that will make them upset. If you feel angry, it's best to walk away to remain calm. Remember, dementia patients act the way they do because of the illness. So, practice self-control when interacting with them.  
• Never force anything on a dementia patient. You can try different approaches to influence their behavior, but forcing a certain behavior can affect their mental health. For example, avoid forcing them not to leave a room if they want to.  Staying in one place for a prolonged period may cause behavior and mental problems. Instead of limiting them, you can accompany them wherever they want to go to ensure the patient is safe and happy.  
• Patience and understanding are the two key things you need to take care of a dementia patient.
• Each dementia behavior has a trigger. So, if you really want to help the patient, find those root causes and eliminate them. Keeping the patient satisfied and happy is a very important part of treatment.

Dementia Behavior And Ways To Handle Them

Dementia brings many behavioral changes, but the most common changes are discussed below;

1. Wandering

This is one of the most risky and most familiar behaviors seen in dementia patients. Hunger, thirst, and tiredness can trigger this behavior, and if the patient is not careful, they can easily get lost. No matter how careful you are, the patient may try to wander now and then, so you have to be prepared. The best solution is physical activity. Like everyone else, a dementia patient needs regular exercise. You should also lock all the doors and use barriers on the way outside your home. Asking your neighbors to stay alert and inform you if they see the patient outside your house can also be helpful. To keep a dementia patient more safely, you can visit Your Dementia Therapist and get their help.

2. Eating Issues

Sometimes a dementia patient can forget or refuse to eat. If you want to solve this issue, make a regular eating schedule. Offer food to your patient at the same time regularly. Thus, the patient will grow a habit of eating naturally. Do not forget to include some of their favorite food items in the meal. Dementia patients do not enjoy getting fed by others, so offer them easy edibles. Also, try to make the eating environment comfortable by playing some music or adding some flowers to the table.

3. Bathroom Routines

Dementia patients have problems using bathrooms, so you need to take them to the bathroom at intervals even if they are not asking for it. Diapers are an option for such patients but try avoiding those as long as possible. You can also use different signs leading to the bathroom for them to go to the washroom on their own. Make sure they are not drinking a lot of liquids before going to bed.

4. Angry Outbursts

Dementia is a frustrating experience. After a few years, you stay in a state of constant confusion. So, if the patient becomes angry, you have to deal with it with love and care. If some situations trigger their anger, remove all such triggers. Always try to keep them engaged in some activity that they like. You can also leave some signs all over the house as a healthy reminder for them. This will bring their mind at ease, and they will be able to remember things.

Conclusion

Taking care of a dementia patient is hard all by yourself. You will get drained, both mentally and physically. Everyone has their problems in life to deal with, and taking care of such a patient will be an extra responsibility. If your loved one has dementia, you cannot stop living. Staying involved with the patient is required, but you need professional help as well. So, hire the best dementia caretaker and give the patient a loving and comfortable environment.