Caring for a loved one living with dementia becomes even more difficult when they start exhibiting certain behaviors like paranoia, agitation or confusion at night. While these behaviours can be frustrating for the person with dementia as well as their families, they are almost always due to changes in the brain rather than deliberate misbehavior.
Knowing why these behaviours might be occurring can give you peace of mind and confidence in your caregiving skills.
How to Deal With Paranoia in Dementia Patients
Paranoia is prevalent among those living with dementia. Your loved one might have suspicions that something has been stolen from them, there are strangers in the house, or become suspicious of family members.
Instead of trying to convince them they are wrong, try to:
- Remain composed and speak in a soothing voice.
- Recognize their emotions without reinforcing the false belief.
- Divert their attention towards another topic.
- Avoid arguing or trying to "prove" the truth.
Usually, it is better to make them feel safe than trying to prove them wrong.
Managing Agitation
Agitation can appear as pacing, shouting, restlessness, or frustration. Agitation is caused by pain, hunger, tiredness, over-stimulation, or problems with communication.
Some helpful tips are:
- Maintaining a regular routine.
- Reducing distractions.
- Giving choices rather than asking open-ended questions.
- Identify potential discomfort, such as hunger, thirst, or needing to use the washroom.
- Stay calm despite your loved one's agitation.
Nighttime Confusion in Older Adults
Sundowning is the term used for confusion that elderly patients with dementia experience at night.
To help manage symptoms:
- Ensure there's light in the house as daylight fades.
- Encourage physical activity throughout the day.
- Avoid lengthy naps during the day.
- Adhere to consistent mealtime and bedtime.
- Provide a quiet and calm environment before sleeping.
In case of an abrupt increase in nighttime confusion, seek medical attention since an underlying problem like an infection could be causing the symptoms.
When to Ask for Help
Sometimes dementia behaviours can become too much for one caregiver to handle alone.
Professional home care can offer companionship, help with day-to-day activities, rest for family caregivers, and aid in tough times while ensuring that your loved one stays safe at home.
For more information on how to take care of someone suffering from dementia, check out our Dementia Guide
Contact Us
If your loved one is becoming difficult to manage at home, or if you are unable to care for your loved one with dementia as you would like, consider a home care company that can provide you with the peace of mind you seek.
Guardian Home Care is committed to reliable, trustworthy, invaluable senior care. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you and your loved one with individualized care.