Question

What important things should a support worker consider when choosing a strategy to de-escalate behaviours when dealing with people with dementia

Answer 1

Dementia is not a definit disease. It is a cluster of symptoms associated with the decrease in memory or basic skiils worst enough that the patient reduce its ability to perform daily routines. Caring for a dementia patients is not easy. Your main focus should be how you can help the patient live his life as normal as it could possible be. Always keep in mind that the patients behaviour is not intended and it is caused by his disease.

In handling troubling behaviour you should be patient, flexible, creative and compassionate. Don't try to control or change the patients behaviour it will just make things worst if you try to argue or prove a point to them. A change in patients behaviour may have an underlying reason so be observant and call the doctor if neccesary. Promote a postive environment keep your mood happy patients will notice your emotions don't show your frustration or anger towards him. Listen to him with your ears, eyes and heart. Talk to him with a calm voice, speak clearly and slowly. Respond to him with affection and reassurance.

If the patient started to be aggitated and irritable try to distract the patient ask him to go for a walk, watch tv or eat a snack. Reduce environmental stimuli like asking family members to leave the room for a while until the patient calm down. Acknowledge patients anger and reassure him that you understand how he feels. Do not restrain the patient but make sure that you remove all the dangerous objects out of the patients reach.