Shift the focus to another activity: The immediate situa- Offer corrections as suggestions: Avoid explanations that
tion or activity may have unintentionally caused the aggres- sound like scolding. Try “I thought it was a fork” or “I
sive response. Try something different.
think he is your grandson John”.
HOW TO HANDLE ANXIETY OR AGITATION:
Try not to take it personally: Remember, Alzheimer’s
causes your loved one to forget, but your support and understanding will continue to be appreciated.
A person with Alzheimer’s may feel anxious or agitated. They may become restless and need to move around
or pace. Or they may become upset in certain places or foHOW TO HANDLE REPETITION:
cused on specific details. He or she may also become overreliant on a certain caregiver for attention and direction.
A person with Alzheimer’s may do or say something
over and over again – like repeating a word, question or acListen to frustration: Find out what may be causing the tivity. In most cases, they probably are looking for comfort,
anxiety, and try to understand.
security and familiarity. The person may also pace or undo
what has just been finished. These actions are rarely harmProvide reassurance: Use calming phrases. Let the indi- ful to the person with Alzheimer’s but can be stressful for
vidual know you’re there for him or her.
the caregiver.
Involve the person in activities: Try using art, music, simple hobbies or other activities to help the person relax.
Look for a reason behind the repetition: Try to find out
if there is a specific cause for the behavior.
Modify the environment: Decrease noise and distractions,
or move to another location.
Focus on the emotion, not the behavior: Rather than
reacting to what the person is doing, think about how he or
she is feeling.
Find outlets for the person’s energy: He or she may be
looking for something to do. Take a walk, or go for a car Turn the action or behavior into an activity: If the perride.
son is rubbing their hand across the table, provide a cloth
and ask for help with dusting.
HOW TO HANDLE CONFUSION:
Stay calm, and be patient: Reassure the person with a
The person with Alzheimer’s may not recognize fa- calm voice and gentle touch.
miliar people, places or things. He or she may forget relationships, call family members by other names or become Provide an answer: Give the person the answer that they
confused about where home is. The person may also forget are looking for, even if you have to repeat it several times.
the purpose of common items, such as a pen or fork. These
situations are extremely difficult for caregivers and require Engage the person in an activity: They may simply be
much patience and understanding.
bored and need something to do. Provide structure and
engage them in a pleasant activity.
Stay calm: Although being called by a different name or
not being recognized can be painful; try not to make your Use memory aids: If the person asks the same questions
hurt apparent.
over and over again, offer reminders by using notes, clocks,
calendars or photographs, if these items are still meaningful
Respond with a brief explanation: Don’t overwhelm the to them.
person with lengthy statements and reasons. Instead clarify
with a simple explanation.
Accept the behavior, and work with it: If it isn’t harmful,
let it be. Find ways to work with it.
Show photos and other reminders: Use photographs and
other thought-provoking items to remind the person of imHOW TO HANDLE SUSPICION:
portant relationships and places.
Memory loss and confusion may cause the person
SUMMER 2011 County Health 63