How to Approach Difficult Behaviors with Dementia

Are you having a hard time handling difficult behaviors in your loved one with dementia? Don’t think your approach to difficult behaviors so far has been helpful? Feeling lost in the search for memory care facilities in Ann Arbor? 

Even if you’re not caring for someone full-time, coming face to face with some of the most difficult behaviors in people with dementia is a real challenge. Seeing these behaviors can be frightening, and our get reactions can make the situation even worse. But you don’t have to give up on spending time with your loved one. Just a few tips can help you feel more confident and improve the quality of the time you spend with your loved one. 

6 Tips for Approaching Difficult Behaviors

1. Keep explanations simple: it’s much easier for someone with dementia to follow along and understand a short explanation than a thorough one. Even if you feel like you’re leaving out important details, stay short. This can be useful when responding to difficult questions or demands like “I want to go home!”
2. Don’t engage in arguments: sound judgment will take a hit at some point in the progression of dementia. But it’s best not to argue with someone who is confused or is insisting on something that seems ridiculous to you. Instead, change the topic of discussion or suggest an activity. 
3. Give space: sometimes it’s best just to remove yourself, especially in the face of aggression. As long as your loved one will be safe, give space if they become aggressive. Don’t respond with attempts to restrain or keep pushing the issue. 
4. Understand triggers: take note of what happened before a difficult a behavior, even consider keeping a log. If you notice a pattern, you can do better to avoid triggers and reduce problem behaviors. 
5. Prioritize safety: remind yourself that your safety and your loved one’s safety are the priority. That means if your dad wants to go out to lunch wearing a t-shirt, orange tie, rain boots, and fedora, you’re probably better off letting it go because it won’t affect anyone’s safety. 
6. Ask for help: always remember that you can and should ask for help when you need it. You can contact the experts at memory care facilities in Ann Arbor like Hillside Terrace with questions or to look for a new solution for your loved one’s living arrangement. 

Dementia is hard on everyone. But now that you’re better equipped to handle difficult behaviors, you can focus on enjoying your time with your loved one rather than being worried about an outburst or tough question. If you want to talk more about difficult behaviors and dementia or have questions about memory care facilities in Ann Arbor, give us a call at Hillside Terrace today. Remember that at Hillside Terrace, our family shares life with yours.