Try: Try to maintain cr’s skills work to preserve cr cr’s abilities particularly those that affect dignity such as eating and using the toilet rather than try to teach new skills try to be consistent try to minimize any changes in the surroundings or to cr cr’s daily routine try to keep it simple follow simple routines and avoid situations that require cr to make decisions having to make choices can be very frustrating and cause anxiety for cr try to re-word statements it may help to simplify or re-word your statements or requests if cr doesn’t seem to understand try to be patient and supportive especially if cr is confused and or anxious try gentle reminders help cr maintain his her orientation by naming events for the day; reminding him her of the date day time place etc ; and repeating the names of the people with whom he she has contact try to reassure cr every day even if he she does not respond use a quiet voice and be protective and affectionate if he she has delusions be reassuring rather than defensive if cr becomes agitated or aggressive try playing music or a video that he she used to enjoy reminisce with him her about the family or activities he she once enjoyed try to understand the words and gestures cr uses to communicate adapt to his her way of communicating; avoid trying to force cr to try to understand your way of communicating try to watch cr’s medications be sure cr gets the right medications and at the right time watch for reactions and possible side effects of medicines such as depression or agitation try to provide cr with a healthy diet and plenty of healthy fluids such as water or juice try to identify any actions words or situations that may trigger inappropriate or dangerous behavior document any episodes of such behavior so you can try to avoid the triggers in the future to minimize confusion and anxiety try to adapt cr cr’s environment to his her capabilities make adjustments as his her abilities decline for example if cr tends to wander you may need to lock the doors especially at night consider registering cr with a safe-return program as part of this program cr wears a bracelet with a toll-free number and code the toll-free number may be called from anywhere in north america and the code is used to identify the person and alert his her family of cr’s whereabouts try to be honest try to recognize when cr cr’s behavior is more than you can handle safety — your own and cr cr’s — must be considered at all times

Materials: Pen and paper

Categories: Sage, Topic, Behavior Challenging, Medical Physical, Independence, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Verbal Communication, So-So Verbal Comm, Poor Verbal Comm, Cognitive Awareness, Somewhat Aware, Unaware, Long-Term Memory, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, So-So S T Memory, Poor S T Memory

Information: To the communication for example you are able to see a person person’s anger frustration excitement or lack of comprehension by watching the expression on his or her face try to be attentive show that you are listening and trying to understand what cr is saying use a gentle and relaxed tone of voice as well as friendly facial expressions when talking try to keep your hands away from your face also avoid mumbling or talking with food in your mouth if you smoke don’t talk with a cigarette between your lips try to speak naturally speak distinctly but don’t shout speak at a normal rate — not too fast or too slow use pauses to give cr time to process what you’re saying use short simple and familiar words try to keep it simple give one-step directions ask only one question at a time identify people and things by name avoiding pronouns try to be positive instead of saying don’t do that say let let’s try this if cr doesn’t understand what you said try rephrase rather than repeat what you just said if cr didn’t understand the words the first time it is unlikely he she will understand them a second time try to understand the words and gestures cr is using to communicate adapt to his her way of communicating; don’t force cr to try to understand your way of communicating try to reduce background noise such as from the tv or radio when speaking in addition to making it harder to hear the tv or radio can compete with you for cr cr’s attention try to encourage cr to continue to express his her thoughts even if he she is having difficulty be careful not to interrupt avoid criticizing correcting and arguing try to keep in mind the importance of non-verbal communication the presence touch gestures and attention of you can help to communicate acceptance reassurance and love to cr in all cases treat cr with dignity and respect don’t speak down to him her or speak to others as if he she is a child or isn’t present

References: Adapted from www webmd com managing unpredictable behavior in people with alzheimer alzheimer’s disease

Keywords: Unpredictable behavior challenging behavior aggression frustration agitated anxious confused wandering

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: To manage the anger problems materials try stick with ‘i’ statements to avoid criticizing or placing blame which might only increase tension try to be respectful and specific don’t hold a grudge forgiveness is a powerful tool if you allow anger and other negative feelings to crowd out positive feelings you might find yourself swallowed up by your own bitterness or sense of injustice but if you can forgive someone who angered you you might both learn from the situation it it’s unrealistic to expect everyone to behave exactly as you want at all times use humor to release tension lightening up can help diffuse tension try to avoid sarcasm it can hurt feelings at the wrong moment practice relaxation skills when your temper flares put relaxation skills to work practice deep-breathing exercises imagine a relaxing scene or repeat a calming word or phrase you might also listen to music write in a journal or do a few yoga poses , whatever it takes to encourage relaxation know when to seek help learning to control anger is a challenge for everyone at times consider seeking help for anger issues if your anger seems out of control causes you to do things you regret or hurts those around you you might explore local anger management classes or anger management counseling anger management classes and counseling can be done individually with your partner or other family members or in a group request a referral from your doctor to a counselor specializing in anger management or ask family members friends or other contacts for recommendations

Materials: Flat ginger ale cold mint or ginger tea salty snacks – nuts crackers dried fruit lemon drops peppermint or ginger candy board games playing cards videos

Categories: Behavior Challenging, Emotional Psychological

Information: n/a

References: Mayoclinic com

Keywords: Anger anger management

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Patience is a key component to dealing with angry crs do not take any outbursts by the cr personally and try to focus on positive aspects of your relationship provide the cr with patience and understanding elderly crs particularly those approaching the end of life can be lonely and fearful the cr might be sick and watched friends and loved ones die in the past demonstrating care and concern towards the cr can go a long way to quelling hostility and anger spend time talking to the cr every day to assess his or her physical and mental well-being assure the cr that you want to help and are receptive to his or her needs the cr may not tell you about illnesses financial stress or mental and physical pain that is being felt because he or she does not want to burden family and friends with it talking to an objective uninvolved person the cr should be afforded the opportunity to talk to someone removed from the situation such as a financial planner minister counselor or physician the cr may have financial and other worries that he or she is embarrassed by or too proud to discuss with close family members explore the causes of anger it is essential to explore the reasons for angry behavior in a cr particularly if this is a new development change the status quo there may be something in the environment or circumstances that is making the cr angry it may be that he or she is no longer really capable of managing to coping on his or her own but is unable or unwilling to ask for help the cr may even be unsure of what help he wants help the cr get involved in activities outside the home if he or she is physically able to do so senior action centers bridge or book clubs and senior volunteer organizations are all wonderful ways to get the cr involved look into out-of-home care if the cr becomes unmanageable or does not seem to make any progress towards anger management and positive thinking a senior housing community or adult day care cernter may help the cr rediscover relationships and a sense of purpose the cr may need to have a health check-up sometimes inadequate circulation can contribute to mood changes and other neurological symptoms it may even be that medication taken for an existing condition is causing side effects such paranoia and anger

Materials: n/a

Categories: Behavior Challenging, Emotional Psychological

Information: n/a

References: Adapted from www ehow com

Keywords: Anger anger management rage acting out temper tantrum hostile hostility

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Watch and listen to the cr in an attempt to determine the reason for the anger frustration or difficult behavior for example was there a sudden noise that startled the cr does the cr cr’s get more angry and frustrated as the day progresses due to fatigue does the cr feel useless is the cr in pain is the cr finding it difficult and frustrating to perform the usual daily tasks is the cr frustrated because he or she can’t remember things does the cr have fear and uncertainty about illness and disease does the cr feel helpless any of the above situations along with many others could result in the cr having angry outbursts being impatient complaining and making sarcastic remarks watch for indications that the cr may be frustrated with his or her immediate or long-term situation gradual withdrawal disinterest in activities that used to bring pleasure and long periods of silence are often clues that the cr is having some emotional difficulties encourage the cr to talk about his or her fears and concerns some crs won’t want to discuss what what’s bothering them out of pride others may not want to burden you the caregiver with their concerns about financial worries or their future health and care do your best to determine what is behind the emotions or attitude change stay calm when dealing with the cr cr’s demands criticism and anger often such emotions are a projection of an elderly cr cr’s feelings of increasing isolation and inability to engage in activities that he or she used to do seek advice advice and support from family friends and other individuals who are knowledgeable in care giving and anger management explore other care options if the cr continuously refuses your help and insists that you leave him or her alone this is strongly recommended in a deteriorating situation where the cr is no longer safe having major difficulties with daily living activities and chores not eating right because he or she can’t cook anymore and so on it may be time to seek help inside the cr cr’s residence from a home care agency enroll in an adult day care program or consider a move to a senior housing community even though this may be very unpleasant and difficult it may be better to act now rather than wait for a crisis to unfold down the road

Materials: n/a

Categories: Behavior Challenging, Emotional Psychological

Information: n/a

References: Adapted from www livestrong com

Keywords: Anger frustration agitated agitation

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Try to discern the cause of the cr cr’s agitation and remove it try to distract cr rather than responding to his or her rants and rages stroke the cr cr’s arm to soothe him or her take the cr to a quiet room and play a soothing cd let the cr know that you are listening to his or her concerns and taking them seriously if you feel that the cr could be a danger to him or herself or to anyone else call 911

Materials: Cds of soothing music cd player

Categories: Behavior Challenging, Emotional Psychological, Fully Aware, Somewhat Aware

Information: n/a

References: Adapted from www care com caring for seniors with alzheimer alzheimer’s disease by staff writer no date

Keywords: Agitated agitation upset bothered angry cranky emotional

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Observe the cr cr’s body language when being spoken to or when around other people this may give you a clue as to why the cr is withdrawing keep the cr in familiar surroundings if possible keep the cr in quiet environments if possible play soft music in the background to provide a comfortable environment for the cr avoid large groups encourage the cr to engage in conversations or activities with only one or two people at a time involve the cr in quiet activities that he or she may enjoy involve the cr in conversations about subjects of interest for example discuss the cr cr’s life stories family and favorite memories gradually add more people to the activities and slowly increase the number and duration of the activities try to come up with creative ideas for the daily activities that would be enjoyed by the cr and all of the other participants for example go for a drive in the car visit a familiar place in the area or go out to a restaurant accept the cr for who he or she is and be realistic about what activities can be done safely over time work on developing positive rapport and trust with the cr

Materials: n/a

Categories: Behavior Challenging, Emotional Psychological, Social

Information: n/a

References: n/a

Keywords: Withdrawn withdrawal dropping out reclusive inactive lethargic stupor unsocial

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Stepping out of the tub or shower stepping out of a bathtub can sometimes be problematic especially for crs grab bars a shower mat and bath steps are some helpful tools to ensure safety shower seats while showering crs often tire this presents a safety issue one answer is to provide shower seat shower seats allow for both safety and privacy shower safety for crs showering for crs must be a safe and private activity a large suction cupped shower mat is always in order to prevent slipping keep in mind that some people are allergic to latex so a non-rubber mat must be considered otherwise rubber bath or shower mats are preferred for safety bathroom personal care older crs can find it tough to use toilet tissue to complete the task there are helpful items available to extend one one’s reach these are especially helpful with arthritis shoulder or back issues and balance problems helpful ideas when considering bathroom independence for the cr safety is of primary concern be certain that grab bars are located near the toilet if needed also the toilet itself should be high enough to facilitate sitting and rising many crs have hip knee or back problems which may render them off balance be aware that raisers are available to raise the entire bowl higher bedroom safety for seniors sometimes just getting out of bed is a chore falls are a distinct possibility if this is not done properly adding grab bars to the bed is a good solution many times seniors experience dizziness when arising so the bars help them to get their bearings before actually getting up bars can be situated on the side of the bed and used to pull oneself up to a seated position shower safety crs sometimes unsure of their footing face danger while showering it is always advisable to have grab bars inserted on the tub or on the wall if a walk in shower these wall grab bars should be installed by a licensed carpenter they are designed to hold a lot of weight and must be attached to the studs rather than just anywhere

Materials: n/a

Categories: Behavior Challenging, Emotional Psychological, Personal

Information: n/a

References: Eldercare lifetips com

Keywords: Dependence independence

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Dressing stick this tool can help the cr continue to dress themselves this tool is especially helpful for crs who may have limited range of motion or difficulty bending their arm the stick is a combination hook pusher that helps put on shirts jackets slacks skirts etc open it rx set this set is a combination of tools that makes opening and dealing with medications much easier this medication set helps the cr to easily open pill bottles prescriptions and over the counter bottles with a push and twist cap in addition there is a magnifying glass tucked neatly inside the cap so that the cr can easily read the warning labels and dosage instructions extra long shoehorn this tool eliminates the need for bending and stretching when putting on shoes and socks in addition there is a hook that helps with the removal of socks reaching tool this handy tool helps crs to reach out and grab even the tiniest objects this also helps reduce the incidence of slipping and falling as seniors no longer have to get on a stool or chair to reach up high the long arm extends with the pincer to grab whatever is needed food bumper these handy guards can form a wall on the plate that helps keep food where it should be this is especially good for those with limited dexterity swivel seat with cover-this handy seat comes with a ball bearing allowing it turn 360 degrees without slipping this allows greater mobility for seniors who do not have to climb off and on a chair to gain access to what they need sponges these sponges are attached to extra long handles that help the cr cr’s complete personal care without straining they can be hung in the shower or bath for easy access bed assist this handy tool fastens to the side of the bed and gives the cr a place to grab onto when arising this handy assist also has a pocket on the side for magazines and other belongings making it easy to access one can be attached to each side of the bed amplified telephone with talking caller id this phone is ideal for people with hearing and or vision loss as well as crs who just want a better way to deal with their telephone the talking caller id will announce the number of the caller there is a powerful amplification that helps the cr hear every call clearly recliner risers these handy and easy to use risers decrease the stress and strain crs can feel when trying to get out of a recliner they are slip resistant and do not interfere with the rocking and reclining of the chair

Materials: n/a

Categories: Behavior Challenging, Personal

Information: n/a

References: Caregiverpartners hubpages com

Keywords: Dependence independence

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Encourage cr to discuss his or her fatigue tiredness with you discuss possible causes and solutions for fatigue develop a plan to deal with fatigue it more effectively encourage the cr to schedule tasks according to importance encourage cr to rest between high-energy activities suggest that cr try to plan tasks more efficiently so they can be more easily accomplished encourage cr to get up and move slowly to avoid dizziness or falls try to serve small snacks as well as balanced meals that are high in carbohydrates for example pasta bread fruit and potatoes

Materials: n/a

Categories: Behavior Challenging, Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical

Information: For you and cr for example patterns of fatigue energy levels and activities that increase or decrease fatigue are all important and should be documented help the cr identify high-energy activities and tasks such at bathing and dressing which contribute to his or her fatigue try to find ways to help the cr make activities simpler and less tiring encourage the cr to plan and pace activities around times when he or she has more energy encourage the cr to avoid staying in bed and resting for long periods of time excessive bed rest can cause weakness or decreased energy levels and eventually increase fatigue try to get cr to do some exercising mild to moderate exercise such as walking and stretching can relieve fatigue symptoms increase functioning and gently energize the cr try to tailor exercises to cr’s age physical and medical condition suggest that cr begin exercising gradually several days a week and make sure cr doesn’t get exhausted encourage the cr to remain active to maintain his or her energy levels so that doing necessary tasks is easier try using distraction strategies such as suggesting that the cr listen to music watch tv or play cards to help get rid of mental fatigue and restore mental functioning encourage cr to eat a balanced and healthy diet to maintain and increase his or her energy level the diet should include adequate calories and all of the major food groups such as grains green vegetables legumes and proteins encourage cr to maintain an adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration and hypertension which can make fatigue worse

References: Adapted from www netofcare org symptom management at home by staff writer no date

Keywords: Fatigue tired low energy irritable cranky

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Try to reassure cr that you understand that his or her display of emotion even though it may not match the situation be nonjudgmental try to help family and friends understand sudden shifts in cr’s mood try to distract cr change the topic or try to re-focus the cr cr’s interest to something else

Materials: n/a

Categories: Behavior Challenging, Cognitive Intellectual, Communication, Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical, Personal, Sexuality Intimacy, Social, Independence, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, Verbal Communication, So-So Verbal Comm, Poor Verbal Comm, Cognitive Awareness, Somewhat Aware, Unaware, Long-Term Memory, So-So L T Memory, Poor L T Memory, Short-Term Memory, So-So S T Memory, Poor S T Memory

Information: n/a

References: traumatic brain injury a guide for caregivers of service members and veterans – module 2 by the office of the u s surgeon general no date available at www traumaticbraininjuryatoz org

Keywords: Inappropriate reactions mood swings

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed