Awkwardness. Discomfort. Disbelief. Shame. Each one of these feelings can cycle through a family caregiver’s heart when a senior with dementia displays disinhibited behaviors, such as:
- Tactless or rude comments
- Unacceptable sexual advances or remarks
- Removal of clothing at improper times
- And other socially unacceptable actions
The complex changes that occur to the brain in Alzheimer’s may cause a complete turnaround in a senior’s personality and behaviors, such as a formerly genteel grandfather suddenly cursing like a sailor. For a person who is uncomfortable, disoriented, confused, or has simply forgotten social graces and skills, these behaviors are actually quite common. Therefore, it’s crucial to figure out how exactly to best manage them if and when they arise in someone you love.
Independence-4-Seniors’ Alzheimer’s care experts suggest trying the following tactics:
- See if there’s a solvable problem causing the behaviors, such as a physical illness, medication side effects, the need to use the rest room, environment-induced anxiety, etc.
- Remind yourself that the Alzheimer’s is to blame, and answer patiently and gently, without overreacting or lashing out in frustration.
- Help the senior continue to be engaged in appropriate activities according to his or her particular interests. If the senior becomes agitated with a particular activity, change to something different, or move to a different room in your home or outside if possible.
- Pay attention to clothing choices, if removing clothes at inappropriate times is a concern. If the senior has been wearing pants without zippers for convenience, you may want to change to something a little bit more challenging to remove when out in public, for example.
- Be sure that all of the senior’s physical needs are met to avoid problematic behaviors. Maintain a comfortable temperature in your house, keep a variety of healthy drinks and snacks handy, and recommend regular exercise and movement.
- Offer appropriate physical contact frequently in the form of hugs, holding the person’s hand, or rubbing his/her back, when welcomed by the senior, communicating reassurance to ease anxiety.
It’s also helpful to make certain you’ve got sufficient time for scheduled breaks to tend to your personal self-care needs and lessen the stress that is frequently inherent in caring for a senior with dementia. Independence-4-Seniors‘ caregivers are thoroughly trained and experienced in effective, compassionate dementia care, and are here for you with as much or as little respite care as necessary. Give us a call at (630) 323-4665 for additional helpful resources as well as to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation for more information about how we can assist with professional DuPage County senior care, also available in the surrounding areas.