Awkwardness. Discomfort. Disbelief. Shame. All of these feelings can cycle through a family caregiver's heart when a senior loved one with Alzheimer's demonstrates disinhibited behaviors, which can include:
Rude or tactless comments
Unacceptable sexual remarks or advances
Removal of clothing at improper times
And other socially unacceptable actions
The complicated changes in the brain in Alzheimer's disease could cause a complete turnaround in an older adult's personality and behaviors, such as a formerly genteel grandfather suddenly swearing like a sailor. However, for somebody uncomfortable, disoriented, confused, or simply forgetting social graces and skills, these behaviors in Alzheimer's are pretty standard. Consequently, it's crucial to know how to manage them best if they occur in someone you love.
Modern Health Home Cares' dementia care professionals recommend trying the following tactics:
See if there is a solvable problem resulting in the behaviors, such as a physical illness, medication complications, the need to utilize the restroom, environment-induced anxiety, etc.
Remind yourself that Alzheimer's disease is to blame, and respond gently and patiently, without overreacting or lashing out in frustration.
Help the seniors continue to be involved in appropriate activities according to their particular interests. If the person becomes agitated with one specific action, change to something else, or relocate to another room in your house or outside.
Pay attention to clothing choices if removing clothes at inappropriate times is a problem. If the senior loved one has been wearing pants without zippers for ease and comfort, you might change to something a bit more challenging to take off when out in public.
Be sure that every one of the senior's physical needs is met to avoid problematic behaviors. Maintain a comfortable temperature in your house, keep numerous healthy drinks and snacks handy, and support regular physical exercise and movement.
When welcomed by the senior, offer appropriate physical contact, often in the shape of hugs, holding the person's hand, or rubbing their back, communicating reassurance to alleviate anxiety.
It is also essential to ensure you have enough time for regular breaks to tend to your personal self-care needs and relieve the commonly inherent stress in taking care of a senior with dementia. Modern Health Home Care caregivers are thoroughly trained and experienced in practical, compassionate Alzheimer's care and are here for you with as much or as little respite care as necessary. Contact our experts in Alzheimer's care in Philadelphia and the surrounding communities at 215.995.2012 for additional helpful resources or schedule a cost-free in-home assessment for more information regarding how we can help.
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