Alzheimer’s and dementia are devastating for everyone. It can be incredibly difficult to watch your family member or loved one turn into someone you no longer know. Their personality may change completely, and they may start to display erratic, unusual, and even aggressive behaviors that leave you frustrated, upset, and unsure how to cope.

What works one day may utterly fail the next, and you may find yourself lost trying to navigate your loved one’s unpredictable behavior. Serving as caregiver for an individual suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia is challenging, but there are some steps you can take to manage frustrating dementia behaviors and increase both your and your loved one’s quality of life.

Understanding why dementia behaviors occur

The first step to effective management of frustrating dementia behaviors is understanding the underlying causes. Many times, dementia patients are unable to fully verbalize or articulate their feelings and needs, so they communicate through their behavior instead. Often, odd or aggressive behavior is simply an indication that they have an unmet or unrecognized need.

They may be experiencing stress, pain, or depression, or they may simply have a physical discomfort, such as hunger or cold. So when your loved one begins displaying abnormal behavior, your first action should be to verify that there are no obvious physical or mental causes.

This can be a frustrating process in itself, as they may not even be fully aware of what they’re feeling or experiencing, and it can take some trial and error to determine the reason for the behavior. But as you progress, you’ll gain a better understanding of your loved one’s triggers and be able to manage their behavior more effectively.

Managing dementia-related aggression and agitation

Agitation and aggression are challenging dementia behaviors, and they are usually caused by feelings of stress and frustration. It can be difficult not to react in kind, but try to keep a level head and speak in soft, soothing tones, reassuring your loved one that you are there, you acknowledge their feelings, and you want to help them.

A distraction or change of environment can be powerful tools for managing agitation and aggression. So you can try taking them for a walk or ride in the car, or even just take them to a different room. You can also talk to them, play or sing familiar music, or give them a simple task or activity to focus on to distract them from their anger and frustration.

Dealing with paranoia or suspicion

Like anger and agitation, paranoia and suspicion are not logical and can’t be reasoned away — but they are valid feelings that the individual is experiencing. They may claim that someone is stealing their money or belongings or trying to break into their house, and they can also experience hallucinations that further reinforce their delusions.

When dealing with this situation, it’s important to listen and let them air their concerns — without trying to correct or reason with them. Let them know that you understand how scary or frustrating the situation must be for them, and reassure them that you are there to help.

If they believe their money has been stolen, offer to help look for it. While searching, you can try to redirect their attention to another object, or you can even keep some coins or small bills on hand to “find” and resolve the situation. If they are worried about a break-in, acknowledge their concerns, but reassure them that you are there and you aren’t going to let anything bad happen.

How to handle sexual behaviors

Dementia doesn’t eliminate the need for human touch and intimacy, but dementia sufferers may no longer be able to express those desires in appropriate ways. They may try to touch or undress themselves in front of others, or even make inappropriate sexual advances.

While this can be incredibly embarrassing or uncomfortable for friends and family members, it’s important to remember that it is simply a symptom of the disease. However, it’s also a difficult symptom to manage, as those needs cannot fully be met in the way the individual desires. But there are some steps you can take to help manage inappropriate sexual behaviors in dementia patients.

To start, stay calm and composed and don’t act shocked or try to shame them. Instead, suggest that they may want some privacy or personal time and walk them to a private room. You can also use distraction techniques to redirect their attention and get them to focus on another task or activity.

And most importantly, keep in mind that inappropriate sexual behavior is often born from a desire for basic human touch. So make sure that you provide that platonic touch throughout the day through hugs, handholding, hair brushing, and other actions.

Managing dementia behaviors can be challenging, frustrating, and take a toll on caregivers, family, and friends — and it’s important to recognize when you need outside help. If you’re caring for a family member or loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, Right Hand Senior Care would love to become a part of your care team. We offer affordable in-home care services designed to fit your family’s needs. You can contact us at (insert phone) or (insert email) to learn more about our in-home care options for dementia sufferers.

It’s starting to get hot out there, and as much as we joke about frying an egg on the sidewalk, summertime can actually be dangerous for seniors. According to the CDC, there are an average of 67,512 visits to the emergency room for heat-related conditions, and the majority of those are elderly adults.

As we age, our bodies become less efficient at temperature regulation, primarily because we sweat less, which is the body’s number one way to cool off. So here are some precautions seniors and their caregivers and loved ones can take to stay safe in the summer heat. We’ll also go over the symptoms of different heat-related illnesses and how they should be treated.

Make sure to stay hydrated

Dehydration is especially common among seniors, so drink plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for a minimum of eight glasses each day, and avoid beverages with caffeine, alcohol, or excessive sugar as much as possible. Both alcohol and caffeine are diuretics, meaning that they will cause your body to lose water, bringing on dehydration quickly.

Spend the middle of the day indoors

There’s no need to stay cooped up inside for the entire summer, but seniors should avoid the outdoors during the hottest part of the day — typically around 10:00am to 4:00pm. So plan to do any outdoor activities in the morning or evening, when the temperature is a little cooler. When you are outside, stay out of direct sunlight, drink a generous amount of water, and take frequent breaks if you are doing any sort of physical activity.

Use fans and air conditioning as much as possible

Central air conditioning is optimal to help beat the heat, but not everyone has an air-conditioned home. If you live in an extremely hot, humid area, even a window unit in a single room can be a lifesaver, and there are federal and local programs available to help low or fixed-income seniors cover the cost of air-conditioning units.

In milder climates, both ceiling and box fans can be used to help circulate the air and keep the in-home temperature down. And on particularly sweltering days, it’s a good idea to spend the hottest part of the day at a library, shopping mall, religious center, or another air-conditioned location.

Dress for the heat

Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing is the best option for hot weather, and lighter colors help reflect heat away from the body. If you’re spending time outdoors, a wide-brimmed hat will also keep the sun off of your face and neck — just make sure it’s made of a breathable material that won’t trap heat.

Protect your eyes and skin

In addition to heat protection, you should also safeguard against harmful UVA and UVB rays that can cause sunburns, damage your skin and eyes, and increase your risk of skin cancer. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses while outdoors, and apply at least an SPF 30 sunscreen to all exposed skin. While you’re at it, you may also want to spray on some bug repellent to protect from insect bites, which can also cause complications for seniors.

Exercise safely

Exercise is important for health and mental and physical well-being, but make sure you work out safely in the heat. If possible, get your exercise in at an air-conditioned gym, or even better — a swimming pool. Local senior centers often have free fitness classes in air-conditioned environments as well.

Check in with friends and family members regularly

Heat-related illnesses can come on fast and leave you extremely disoriented or incapacitated, so stay in regular contact with family members and friends. You can even schedule a daily check-in via a simple text message or phone call with a trusted loved one. If they don’t hear from you when expected, they’ll know something might be wrong and that you may need help.

Heat-related illnesses you should watch out for

Illnesses brought on by the heat can be life-threatening, so keep an eye out for any of these signs or symptoms. Remember, it’s better to get medical help sooner rather than later, so don’t hesitate to call a healthcare provider or 911 if you have any doubts.

Dehydration

Dehydration is caused by insufficient water in the body, and the symptoms include:

• Weakness
• Headache
• Muscle cramps
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Fainting or loss of consciousness

If the individual is awake and coherent, get them to a cooler location right away and provide them with plenty of water or beverages containing electrolytes. However, if the symptoms do not resolve, they lose consciousness at any point, or they have any underlying heart or blood pressure conditions, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is brought on by a combination of excessive heat exposure and dehydration. The symptoms include:

• Heavy sweating or no sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness or weakness
• Pale, cold, or clammy skin
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fast and weak pulse
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Moderately high body temperature

Immediately move the person to a cool, shady place and give them plenty of water or electrolyte drinks. If they have any underlying blood pressure or heart problems, or if they don’t feel better after fluids, call 911 right away.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke occurs when your body temperature reaches an extremely high, dangerous level, and the primary symptoms are:

• Extremely high body temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher
• Red, hot, and dry skin
• A fast pulse
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Confusion or lethargy
• Fainting or loss of consciousness

If heat stroke is suspected, call 911 immediately. Keep the individual as cool as possible while waiting for emergency assistance, and provide water or electrolyte drinks if they are conscious and able to swallow.

In summary

High summertime temperatures and humidity can be dangerous for older adults, but there are precautions seniors can take to lower their risk for heat-related illnesses and complications. However, if dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke are suspected, it’s vital that you address it immediately and get emergency medical help if needed.

If your elderly family member or loved one could use a little extra help staying safe and healthy this summer, Right Hand Senior Care offers affordable, flexible in-home care services designed to fit your family’s needs. For more information, contact us (insert phone) or (insert email) today.

While we can all be a little absent-minded or scatterbrained sometimes, forgetfulness and confusion in seniors is something that shouldn’t be ignored. When your aging loved one struggles with their memory, it may be just a side effect of old age, but it could also be a sign of the onset of dementia. It can be difficult to tell the difference, so it’s definitely something that you should address with their doctor, especially if they are showing any of these early signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Inability to perform routine tasks

Early dementia sufferers may mentally struggle to carry out tasks that they’ve never had difficulties with before. Even normal, everyday chores — such as grooming, cleaning, cooking, or paying bills — can become a challenge.

Difficulty concentrating or following instructions

You may notice that your loved one can’t seem to concentrate on a task or follow directions. They may struggle to follow a recipe, even a familiar one, or have trouble doing things like reading, using normal household appliances, or comprehending new information.

Disorientation in familiar places

With the onset of dementia, individuals tend to get disorientated in places they’ve been to many times before. This is especially dangerous if they are still driving, as they can easily become lost and confused and unable or unwilling to ask for help. 

Confusing times, places, or people

Dementia sufferers may appear to get confused about the current date or the time and place an event occurred. For example, they may talk about an event as if it happened recently, when in reality, it occurred a decade or more earlier. They can also forget family members’ names or mix them up with other individuals.

Frequently repeating themselves

Repeating the same stories within a short period of time or asking the same questions over and over can also be a strong sign of the onset of dementia. Sufferers may also forget about events or appointments and have trouble retaining new information.

Misplacing belongings

When suffering from dementia, seniors tend to put objects in strange places or frequently lose belongings. They may also become angry or paranoid and accuse others of stealing items that they themselves misplaced.

Poor judgment and decision-making skills

This is an especially dangerous sign of dementia and should not be ignored. Seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s may display poor judgment when it comes to things like finances, safety, or personal hygiene. This can result in falling for scams or significantly overspending, putting themselves in dangerous situations, or neglecting their own health.

Withdrawing socially

Individuals with dementia can have difficulty following or participating in conversations, so they often withdraw from family, friends, and social situations. They may also lose interest in hobbies or activities that they previously enjoyed.

Personality changes

The onset of dementia often brings about noticeable personality changes. Dementia patients may become abnormally angry, short-tempered, depressed, or anxious, especially around groups of people or in unfamiliar places.

As our loved ones grow older, it’s normal to see some physical and cognitive decline — that’s just an unavoidable part of aging. But some changes can signify the onset of Alzheimer’s or dementia and should not be ignored. If your loved one is displaying any of these signs, it’s important to speak with their doctor right away and have them screened for dementia. An early diagnosis can make all the difference when it comes to their future and quality of life.

If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia, or they are just having difficulties caring for themselves as they age, in-home care can provide the help they need while allowing them to remain in their familiar, comfortable home environment. Right Hand Senior Care offers affordable, custom care plans for seniors, giving them the care they need — and you peace of mind. For more information, contact us (insert phone) or (insert email).