Certain things can trigger behavioral changes in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. However, with the right approach to potential triggers, home care workers and nurses can help these patients manage such issues.
Here are tips to manage triggers for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
1. Learn About Common Triggers for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients
There are many things that can trigger behavioral changes in patients dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia, including:
- A loud or crowded environment
- Being in an unfamiliar or new environment
- Feeling hungry and/or thirsty
- Being startled by a loud noise or loud voices
- Low self-esteem due to an inability to communicate well with others
Keep an eye out for common triggers of behavioral changes. If you notice a patient’s behavior suddenly changes, consider why it happened. Think about what may have prompted the behavioral change. From here, you can help the patient avoid this trigger.
2. Change the Environment
Make a patient’s home environment as relaxing as possible. Find out what the patient needs to feel safe in their environment. Then, you can adjust the environment accordingly.
Remove any potential stressors from the patient’s home environment. For example, if a patient feels stressed or worried due to shadowy lighting or patterned wallpaper, correct these issues.
3. Exercise Regularly
If possible, engage in regular exercise with a patient. Walking, dancing and other exercises can have a positive impact on mental health. They can simultaneously help a patient improve their self-esteem and cognitive function.
Along with exercise, there are other ways to help a patient stay active. For instance, you can bring a patient to a mall or park. This allows the patient to step away from their home environment and walk around. As such, it can help the patient manage their mental wellness.
4. Prioritize Social Engagement
Create opportunities for a patient to connect with family members and friends. You can schedule phone calls or video chats that allow the patient to engage with others. These can help the patient feel calm, cool, and collected.
You can bring a patient to community events, too. Events close to home ensure the patient won’t have to travel far to engage with others. Meanwhile, these events can help the patient relieve stress that can otherwise contribute to behavioral changes.
5. Remain Patient and Diligent
Listen to a patient and support him or her in any way possible. Remember, you are doing your best to help the patient manage their behaviors. If the patient displays behavioral changes at times, learn from these experiences. Next, you can explore new ways to help the patient and provide him or her with the best possible care and support.
The Bottom Line on Managing Triggers for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients
Managing triggers for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients is difficult. Together, home care workers and nurses, and their employers can help these patients manage potential triggers.
Anodyne is a top resource for home care and nurse staffing in Eastern Massachusetts. We can help you find a home care or nursing job or put you in touch with talented healthcare professionals. To learn more, reach out today.
