The Challenging Behaviors Associated
With Dementia
- Following another person around the house all day.
The 5 R’s are a psychological tool-set intended to aid
caregivers when dealing with a person living with dementia. The 5
R’s allow caregivers to separate from the emotional impact of
behavioral issues that can arise when a loved one has dementia.
The R’s
- Remain calm: Don’t argue or try to reason.
Take a deep breath before you act.
- Respond to feelings: Validate how your loved
one seems to be feeling at the time.
- Reassure: Remind your loved one that s/he is
safe and cared for.
- Remove: Remove yourself physically or distance
yourself psychologically for a moment to regain your
composure.
- Return: Return fully to the situation when
your loved one begins to calm down.