Family members should be prepared to face certain undeniable changes associated with the
process of aging: physical frailty, decreasing physical abilities, illness or disease. More difficult to accept are the changes that impact a person's personality and memory. Witnessing such a
transformation can be heartbreaking. However, there are things you can do to help diminish some of the symptoms, including tips for coping with others and gaining assistance through outside support systems.
At the first sign of behavioral change it's important to seek input from the medical community in
order to rule out brain impairment, neurological damage, drug induced state or nutritional deficiencies.For those individuals who are suffering from memory impairments or dementia
, caregivers can assist the individual and diminish their own frustrations by:
- Using written cues to trigger recollection.
- Keeping the environment free of clutter and unnecessary stimulation.
- Avoiding arguments.
- Avoiding confusion by developing a structured routine.
- Responding clearly, slowly and succinctly to questions.
If an individual is engaging in wandering behaviors, it is important to:
- Keep the area free of hazards.
- Determine if the individual is attempting to reach a certain destination (such as food, security or familiar person or object).
- Provide adequate opportunities for exercise and physical activity. During certain phases of Alzheimer's, individuals can become restless and engage in pacing behaviors.
- Ensure that the individual has adequate supervision; you may want to alert neighbors to the individual's condition so that they can respond if necessary.
If a person becomes combative or physically aggressive:
- Assess the danger to himself and others.
- Keep sharp items and those that could be used as weapons out of reach.
- Remove the individual (if possible) from upsetting situations.
- Avoid arguing with them.
- If they are safe to be left alone in a room, try to give them some time and space.
- Seek the services of a physician to assess any neurological imbalances.
- Determine if there is a pattern to episodes and try to avoid similar situations.
  
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