How to Manage Behavior Without Feeling Overwhelmed

Caring for someone with dementia is tough.

Ever felt like your loved one is fighting against you when resisting care? You're not the only one.

These moments can leave you stressed and lost. But there’s a way to make these situations easier. Have you thought about it as their way of telling you something's up? It’s not just “bad” behavior. Actually, dropping the label of “bad” is one of the first steps to a better understanding.

Let's try to find ways to make things calmer and less stressful. Before doing anything, let’s see these actions for what they are: messages. Whether it's from Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or other forms of dementia, the behavior is often communication. Instead of reacting with frustration, think about what the behavior might say.

Could they be hungry? In pain? Or simply confused?

Imagine if when you got angry, someone listened instead of getting mad back. That might de-escalate things, right? That’s how your loved one feels too.

Calming Down Aggressiveness

Handling an aggressive outburst can be scary, but staying calm is key. First, check how you're feeling. Center yourself before jumping in. One simple way to help both yourself and your loved one is taking a deep breath. Breathing creates a pause. That pause can change everything.

Redirecting Focus for Better Outcomes

Sometimes, distraction is your best friend. If your loved one is resisting care, gently introduce something they enjoy. A familiar song or an old photo album can shift moods from negative to positive. Also, the touch of a cozy blanket or a warm drink can work wonders.

Practical Tips You Can Use Today

Here are a few things you can do:

• Music Soothes: Music they loved in their younger days can be magic.

• Visual Aids: Use photos; they might stir happy memories.

• Simple Choices: Offer easy choices, like two shirt options.

• Daily Routine: Keep it consistent; predictability helps.

Challenges are normal, but they don’t define your caregiving. Aim for small wins, and don’t be hard on yourself if it doesn’t work immediately. There's no perfect way, just your way.

Understanding, patience, and sincere efforts can make a big difference.

Resources from elumenEd

At elumenEd, we’ve developed resources to help manage loved ones’ behaviors. For a free preview our course focused on Responsive (NOT “difficult” or “bad”) behaviors, check out our free course called Dementia and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Behaviors in the Members Area!

For a course dedicated to you, the caregiver, we’ve got another free course called Caregiver Down: Requesting Backup!

Take advantage of what’s out there to make your caregiving journey a bit lighter and more fulfilling.

Remember, even on the hardest days, your efforts are shaping a more peaceful world for your loved one.