Alzheimer\u2019s is the most common type of dementia in older adults. Caring for a client with Alzheimer\u2019s or dementia may become very challenging and difficult. The Client Services Supervisor and family if appropriate, would need to be involved in the initial assessment process so that proper staging can be done and the plan of care adequately meets the client\u2019s needs.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”1933″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” animation_easing=”default” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Best Practices” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_id=”ADBestPractices”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]If a client requires assistance with one or more activities of daily living (ADLs), then the client would require assistance from a PSW.<\/p>\n
The disease at this stage is mild. Symptoms may include mild short-term or recent events, memory loss, disorientation, difficulty with learning, short attention spans, fluctuation in confusion from one day to the next, word searching for the right word, poor judgment, and bad decisions. Mood and emotions will fluctuate; the client may blame others for mistakes and exhibit symptoms of depression, irritability, or defensiveness. The client may express disinterest in everyday activities, such as grooming, and could appear more restless or passive than normal. Remember, every client is an individual and the progression of the disease will vary from client to client. In the early stages of the disease, the client may continue to be able to handle their own activities of daily living (ADLs), with queuing and reminders.<\/p>\n
At this stage, symptoms from the early stage intensify, and losses become too severe to ignore. Short-term memory loss may now evolve into long-term memory loss, with the client being unable to remember their personal history. The client may no longer recognize family and friends and may exhibit increased disorientation and wandering. They may become more restless and may continuously pace. The client may experience a loss of impulse control, such as using profanity, increased anxiety, paranoia, and suspicion. Personality changes and even violent behaviour may start to occur. Repetition of behaviour and saying the same thing over and over are also common. Physically, the client may experience greater difficulties performing basic activities of daily living such as toileting, becoming incontinent with bowel and bladder functions, bathing, feeding, and dressing themselves. The client may develop a fear of bathing (spatial-visual problems) and refuse to change clothing. They may experience a disruption in their sleeping patterns, have large fluctuations in their appetite, and have language difficulties. Most clients at the middle stage of the disease would require assistance from a PSW.<\/p>\n
The PSW will provide a large amount of care for a client in the late stages of Alzheimer\u2019s disease, along with a team of other care providers, including but not limited to family members and friends, nurses, and physicians. During the late stages, most clients become totally dependent, and they will have lost their ability to communicate with or recognize family and friends. The client is usually totally incontinent and may have lost their gag reflex. They can also become unresponsive and bedridden. The client may have difficulty eating or swallowing, may lose control of bodily functions, and may experience pain and seizures. This stage will end with the client\u2019s eventual death. The care of this client would need to be more intense, with many more caregivers involved, as often 24\/7 care is required as they become bedridden.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Responsive Behaviours” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”” el_id=”responsive”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n
Responsive behaviours are often the result of changes in the brain affecting memory, judgment, orientation, and mood. These behaviours include, but are not limited to, the following:[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n
To help you understand why a person is behaving a certain way, remember that:<\/p>\n
You need to consider whether the behaviour is upsetting, or a risk for the person or others. If not, consider whether or not anything needs to be done.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”What Causes Responsive Behaviours?” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”” el_id=”causes”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n
Changes in a client\u2019s behaviour can be a sign of damage in a specific area of the brain. Dementia can lead to damage to the brain and loss of communication skills. As dementia progresses, a client may no longer be able to verbally communicate their basic needs.<\/p>\n
If a client with dementia is unable to use words to communicate their pain, they may start using behaviours as a way of communication. Pain may be present as part of a chronic condition, such as arthritis, or due to something new, like a recent fracture.<\/p>\n
Often, treating underlying pain reduces these responsive behaviours.<\/p>\n
People may also experience depression, delusions (false beliefs about someone or something), or delirium (intense episodes of confusion). Clients experiencing depression, delusions, or delirium may respond with behaviours that others may find difficult to understand. For example, a person with dementia may have the delusion that their food is being poisoned. This may result in the person pushing food away or refusing to eat, even though they are hungry.<\/p>\n
A person with dementia may have a hard time recognizing their physical surroundings and get lost. They may not understand what to do in a particular setting, such as how to use the toilet. Changes in a client\u2019s senses (such as sight and hearing), can also make it difficult for the person to understand what is happening, which may cause anxiety, anger, withdrawal, or self-protective behaviours.<\/p>\n
People may not understand what they are being asked to do and, at times, may be overstimulated, understimulated, or feel rushed. This may cause frustration or boredom, which may result in a responsive behaviour, like hitting or refusing to accept help.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Meanings & Triggers” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=”” el_id=”meaning-trigger”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]All behaviour has a meaning. A trigger is something in the internal or external environment that may cause a client with dementia to respond with a behaviour. First, consider whether the behaviour is upsetting or a risk for the person or others. If it is, then ask yourself, \u201cWhat is the reason or underlying cause behind this behaviour?\u201d A person exhibiting responsive behaviour may no longer be able to verbally communicate their needs. Behaviours are a way for these clients to communicate their needs to the people around them, which is why it is important to pay attention to your client to determine how you can best support them. Here is a list of potential triggers<\/strong> that could cause a responsive behaviour:<\/p>\n An individualized care approach is critical to success. Please note that these strategies may not work for everyone. Caregivers must be \u201cdetectives,\u201d searching for clues to what is causing the difficult behaviour and then finding suitable strategies to manage it. Use the points below to guide you on how to handle a client\u2019s responsive behaviours:<\/p>\n 2. Analyze the problem<\/strong><\/p>\n 3. Consider possible strategies<\/strong><\/p>\n 4. Take action<\/strong><\/p>\n 5. Determine if the strategy was effective<\/strong><\/p>\n Alzheimer Society of Canada. (2019). Conversations about dementia and responsive Alzheimer Society of Canada. (2023). Responsive and reactive behaviours. Baycrest Foundation. (2023). What are responsive behaviours?Potential Physical Triggers:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Potential Psychological Triggers:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Potential Environment Triggers:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Treat the Physical Problems.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Look at the Environment.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Use Distraction.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Ease Loneliness and Anxiety by Providing Reassurance and Gentle Touch.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Maintain a Consistent Daily Routine.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Support their Independence as Much as Possible.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Agitation<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Wandering<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Sexual Behaviours<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Hallucinations<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Paranoia<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\nhttps:\/\/www.albertahealthservices.ca\/assets\/about\/scn\/ahs-scn-srs-responsive-behaviours.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n
\nbehaviours. https:\/\/alzheimer.ca\/sites\/default\/files\/documents\/conversations_dementia-and-responsive-behaviours.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n
\nhttps:\/\/alzheimer.ca\/en\/help-support\/im-caring-person-living-dementia\/understanding-symptoms\/responsive-reactive-behaviours<\/a><\/p>\n
\nhttps:\/\/www.baycrest.org\/Baycrest\/Education-Training\/Educational-Resources\/Responsive-Behaviours\/What-are-responsive-behaviours<\/a><\/p>\n