Dealing with the unusual behaviour that dementia can present

With the progressive development of dementia in your loved one whose care is being supported by Bramble Home Care (http://www.bramblehomecare.co.uk) home carers in Gloucestershire, behavioural changes can arise that you find very stressful, irritating and/or difficult to deal with. When such challenging behaviour arises, it is vital to remain calm if you are to deal effectively with it. The better you inform yourself on the meanings of certain behaviours and how they can be overcome or managed, the easier it is to deal with the situation.

Obviously, everyone is different, possessing their own character traits and preferences, but there are certain forms of behaviour that are identified particularly often in those with dementia. Your loved one being catered for by our home care agency in Gloucestershire may struggle to express him or herself in words, which may lead to more extreme behaviour. Common types of behaviour include the repeated carrying out of certain activities, such as gestures or asking the same question. This repetition, sometimes called 'perseveration' by medical experts, can arise out of boredom, or because the person does not remember having done it previously.

General restlessness can also be evident in those with dementia, perhaps because they are hungry, thirsty, constipated or in pain, or possibly because of illness or the side effects of medication. Boredom, a lack of exercise or busy or noisy surroundings are other possible reasons. There may also be changes in the brain that have brought this behaviour on. If your loved one receiving home help in Gloucester seems to be upset, you should try to discover why, and reassure them. You may then try to distract them with an activity, or get them to undertake some form of exercise.

People with dementia can exhibit quite upsetting symptoms which can be for a variety of reasons: from frustration because they are bored to more serious problems, for example, because they are in pain.  However, all symptoms are predominantly caused because they are unable to communicate effectively - they simply can't express themselves.  It is important to recognise if you are offering care or supporting someone with dementia that these are symptoms of the illness and that there are strategies that can help you to deal with these awkward and often upsetting situations.

For instance, if the person calls for someone from their past, try to discuss this period in their life with them, and respond to the feelings that they show - while avoiding any harsh facts, such as a death, that may distress them. There are so many more unusual behaviours that a person receiving respite care in Gloucestershire from Bramble Home Care (http://www.bramblehomecare.co.uk) may exhibit, from a lack of inhibition or night-time waking to trailing and checking or hiding and losing things. When you are trying to cope with such behaviour, bear in mind that the person is not being deliberately difficult. Nonetheless, if you do find the behaviour overly stressful, it is a good idea to seek professional advice.

Editor’s Note: Bramble Home Care (http://www.bramblehomecare.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.