Ch. 6: Behavioral Issues (Caregiver College Video Series)

Summary

This script addresses the challenges caregivers face when a loved one's behavior changes due to dementia. It emphasizes the importance of identifying underlying causes, such as medication changes or infections, and the necessity of early diagnosis for better symptom management. The video provides strategies to cope with behavioral changes, including creating a calm environment, simplifying tasks, and employing validation and redirection techniques. It also discusses Sundowning, wandering, and the importance of maintaining dignity and patience in care.

Takeaways

• 🤔 Behavioral changes in a loved one could be due to various factors including medication changes, nutritional deficiencies, or infections like urinary tract infections.
• 🔍 It's crucial to rule out underlying conditions before attributing behavioral changes to serious disorders like Alzheimer's.
• 📝 Early and comprehensive diagnosis of memory disorders helps in managing symptoms more effectively.
• 🗣️ Mild to moderate memory loss may manifest as difficulty in finding words, loss of focus, disorientation, and trouble following directions.
• 🧭 Advanced dementia could lead to loss of social abilities, wandering, inappropriate behavior, and hallucinations.
• 💡 Recognize that not all symptoms occur in every individual with dementia, but they are all possible and can cause frustration.
• 🌟 Approach difficult behaviors with gentleness and patience, and ensure the environment is calm and comfortable.
• 🍽️ Maintain proper nutrition, hydration, and some form of exercise for the loved one to support their well-being.
• 🌞 Be aware of 'Sundowning', a phenomenon where behavioral changes intensify in the late afternoon or evening, possibly due to fatigue or light changes.
• 🏠 Create a safe space for wandering and use visual cues and comforting items to help the loved one feel at ease.
• 🔒 Use alarms, locks, and tracking systems to prevent wandering and ensure safety.
• 🤝 Employ validation and redirection strategies to communicate effectively with dementia patients, ensuring their feelings are acknowledged and respected.

Q & A

What is one of the biggest challenges caregivers may face when their loved one's behavior starts changing?

One of the biggest challenges is understanding why the behavior is changing. It could be due to a change in medication, a deficiency in nutrition, or a urinary tract infection, among other underlying conditions.

Why is it important to rule out other possible conditions before assuming the cause of behavioral changes?

It is important because each underlying condition requires specific treatments, and proper diagnosis ensures appropriate management of symptoms.

How can a urinary tract infection affect a person's behavior?

A urinary tract infection can trigger confusion, agitation, and depression, which are behaviors often associated with more serious conditions.

What are some signs of mild to moderate memory loss in a loved one with dementia?

Signs may include difficulty finding the right words, losing focus and attention, disorientation, and problems following directions or performing familiar tasks.

What behaviors might indicate more advanced dementia?

In more advanced dementia, a person may lose social abilities, start to wander, exhibit inappropriate behavior, and experience hallucinations.

Why is it crucial to approach difficult behaviors with gentleness and patience?

Approaching difficult behaviors with gentleness and patience helps maintain dignity and can be more effective in managing the situation without causing additional stress for both the caregiver and the loved one.

What is 'Sundowning' and how can it affect a person with dementia?

Sundowning is a phenomenon where individuals with dementia experience more intense behavioral changes in the late afternoon or evening, possibly due to fatigue or changes in light and shadows.

What strategies can be used to cope with Sundowning?

Strategies include limiting caffeinated beverages, ensuring plenty of daytime sunlight and activity, using early evening lighting, making transitions smooth, and offering a bedtime snack.

Why might a person with dementia resort to wandering, and how can it be managed?

Wandering may be related to repeating a former routine or the need to find something lost. It can be managed by creating a safe space for wandering, using labels and visual cues, and employing alarms and locks or tracking systems.

What are validation and redirection, and how can they be used when dealing with dementia clients?

Validation is acknowledging the feelings and experiences of the person with dementia, while redirection involves gently guiding them away from distressing topics or situations. Both strategies aim to maintain dignity and reduce tension.

How can caregivers communicate effectively with a loved one whose dementia is further along?

Caregivers can stay positive, use eye contact, and maintain gentle touch to ensure the loved one feels heard and understood, even if communication is challenging.