10 STRATEGIES TO CALM AGITATION IN DEMENTIA PATIENTS

10 STRATEGIES TO CALM AGITATION IN DEMENTIA PATIENTS

“It is not how much you do, But how much love you put in The doing. ” --Mother Theresa

ü 10 STRATEGIES TO CALM AGITATION FROM DEMENTIA • Stay Calm: • Slow Down: ~ Agitation and aggression are contagious. When you are talking to someone who is agitated & upset, it is only natural feel upset yourself. Use a technique called “mirroring. ” Stop and take a deep breath – take a step back to see if you can identify the cause of the agitation. And remember they are struggling as much as you are, if not more. ~ Stop whatever you are doing and slow down. Listen to what your client is saying, even if it does not make sense. Don’t correct, as that will only increase the agitation! Talk about positive memories, smile gently, and ask permission to help them. Or just pause, some might just be overwhelmed with the situation. Give them time to think.

ü FOCUS ON FEELINGS, NOT FACTS • Dementia can impact a person’s ability to speak or reason, but feelings remain strong. It is important to respond to your client’s feelings and not their words. Trying to reason/argue with a person with dementia will only frustrate both of you! • Client: “I need the car to take to the ball!” • Response: “You really want the car today. I will take you out today and we can get you what you need. ” • Always make a point to provide clear reassurance.

ü BRIDGE COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS • Always treat the people you work with respectfully and with dignity. This will help foster effective communication with someone with dementia. You may see behaviors that remind you of a child, but the individual you are working with is not a child. The reality is that the individual with dementia may not agree with the reality you see, but the feelings he/she is experiencing is something you both can understand together. • You can also validate one's perception of reality without lying. • Asking gentle questions about what they are telling you seems to be the best approach. • Validate the feeling behind it and ask ? ’s • What is that like? Tell me more about… Would you like me to go check on that ?

ü 10 STRATEGIES TO CALM AGITATION FROM DEMENTIA • Limit Distractions: • Declutter: ~ The brain is often overstimulated by background noises, crowds, or lights. This may make it difficult to express thoughts & perform tasks. Limiting the # of visitors, talking guests in a room, turn the volume down on the TV when having a conversation. And most importantly, try leaving your phone in another room during activities w/the client – so you can give undivided attention to the client, which will also limit distractions. ~ It is always the goal to limit agitation. Move to a quieter location and removing excess items in their surroundings will create a calmer environment. ~ It is difficult for the brain to relax if it is constantly filtering their “clutter” and deciding what is important and necessary to be out in the open.

ü 10 STRATEGIES TO CALM AGITATION FROM DEMENTIA • Check for Discomfort: • Refocus: ~ Some clients may have difficulty communicating they are uncomfortable. Doing daily check ins – with some hour by hour will drastically reduce agitation/aggression with individuals experiencing physical discomfort. ~ Always look for ways to show your client is being heard and that they are important. • Are they hungry? When was the last bowel movement? • Are they dehydrated? Is there clothing attire appropriate for the temperature? • Could they have an infection? UTI? ~ Make a point NOT to focus on the frustrating details of caring for your client and pay attention to the situation at hand and/or specific activity. ~ Be proactive! Change the activity if you notice it triggering your client and redirect to something you know will calm/relax him/her.

ü 10 STRATEGIES TO CALM AGITATION FROM DEMENTIA • Say Yes: • Connect: ~ This creates a connection w/you & the client. ~ Remember the importance of your connection. ~ Gives a sense of connection & comfort with each other. ~ You can only count on today. ~ Tells your client you understand what is important to him/her. That you are listening – you hear them. ~ Enjoy the moments you have & aim to do your best daily to provide the most soothing, calm, and loving environment you can!

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