Senior Care Blog: home care in east Brunswick

Right at Home of Central New Jersey

Shares Things You Can Do

When Someone You Love Has Dementia*

The right people, doing the right things,

the right way, for the right reasons.

Right at Home.

If your loved one has dementia, there are varying types of behaviors that you may have to deal with including memory loss, poor judgment, wander risk, mood changes, difficulty managing routine tasks and/or angry outbursts.

While we can't change how our loved one thinks, we can deal with behavioral issues by remembering some basic things.

WHAT - Decide if the behavior is dangerous or merely uncomfortable. If it's just uncomfortable, try and let it go.
WHEN - Learn to identify what might trigger a behavior. Is it seasonal or does your loved one sundown? Knowing the triggers helps you plan better for your family member.
WHERE - Can moving to a different location or reducing noise or limiting the amount of people an option? Simple logistical changes can help comfort your loved one.
WHY - Try and put yourself in your loved one's place and imagine what they might be thinking or feeling that could have triggered the behavior.
HOW - Let your loved one know that you understand that they're upset and that you want to help. Be kind with your words and tone of voice because they will react more positively to that.

Just remember that the behavior arises from the disease and not the person. Try and be patient with them and be patient with yourself if you lose your temper or get frustrated.

*Based on an article entitled "New Approaches for Dealing with Difficult Dementia Behaviors" written by Mara Botonis and originally published on Alzheimers.net in October 2016.

For more information on how Right at Home of Central New Jersey caregivers can help your loved one with dementia remain safe at home by providing companionship, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, bathing and personal hygiene, please contact us by calling Beth Reisman Sholom, Owner/Executive Director at 732-967-0900 or e-mailing her at beth@rahcentral.com.

About Right at Home of Central New Jersey – Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. The Right at Home of Central New Jersey office is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, Inc., serving the communities of Middlesex and Northern Monmouth Counties.

For more information, contact Right at Home of Central New Jersey at