Handling Challenging Behaviors and Emotions
What is the best way to deal with family members when they act out in a way that is not safe or inappropriate for the situation? The following videos series produced by UCLA provides examples of one way you might approach the situation. Thanks to UCLA for allowing me to link to their site.
Note: Every Situation is Different
If you’re in the middle of handling a difficult situation that’s not going well, talk to someone about what is happening. Sometimes there is a medical reason for the behavior change; other times, a fresh perspective can help you see things differently. Regardless, letting someone know what is happening helps prevent you from feeling alone and reduces your burden.
UCLA Health Caregiver Training Videos
UCLA has an excellent support program for caregivers using their services. They provide both video and written materials to help them prepare for taking patients home for care. The videos I’ve reviewed are well done and accurate. I’ve been impressed with their presentations. I’ve posted a few below. They may have more there now. Take a look and I hope you find them helpful. All of the following are linked to the University of California Los Angeles’ website and produced by their University.
Home Safety produced by UCLA
Son explains that his father walks around everywhere in the home and gets into everything, causing a safety issues. Son feels though he needs to watch his father constantly or else he will get into trouble.
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Refusal to Bathe produced by UCLA
Lauren explains that her mother used to bathe every day. Her mother now refuses and says she’s afraid of the water. Lauren wants to know what to do.
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Refusal to Take Medications produced by UCLA
Stacey’s grandmother refuses to take her medication. She asks repeatedly why she needs to take it. Stacey seeks advice as to what to do.
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Repetitive Behaviors produced by UCLA
Jane explains that her father, once active, now sits for long period of time tapping hands. Jane is annoyed.
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Repetitive Questions produced by UCLA
Stacey’s grandmother asks the same questions over and over. Stacey answers the questions only to have them asked again a minute later. Stacey is visibly frustrated.
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Sexually Inappropriate Behaviors produced by UCLA
Mr. Brown has moderate dementia and continues to live at home. His private caregivers have been quitting due to his sexually inappropriate behaviors.
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Sleep Disturbances produced by UCLA
My mother sleeps all day and keeps everyone awake at night. In the morning, we tell her to get up and do something, but all she wants to do is sleep. When nighttime comes, she is awake and keeps the whole house up. How are we supposed to get any rest?
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Alcohol Abuse produced by UCLA
When did you notice the alcohol consumption becoming problematic?
As a result of her alcohol intake, what issues did she and your family encounter? How did the dementia aspect complicate her issues with alcohol
What interventions did you take to try to help your mother stop drinking? What did and didn’t work?
What advice would you give other caregivers? What did you learn from this experience
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How did your loved one respond when she was told by her physician that she could no longer drive?
What interventions did you take to try to help your mother to stop driving? What did and didn’t work?
What problems did your family encounter? How did the dementia aspect complicate her refusal to give up driving?
What advice would you give other families who are struggling to get their loved one to stop driving?
What did you learn from this experience?
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Lack of Eating produced by UCLA
Tell me about your father’s eating problem.
What did you do to try to help him?
Did the doctor have any other suggestions?
Was there anything you did?
Is there anything you could have done different?
Do you have any advice for others?
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Paranoid Thoughts produced by UCLA
When do you notice your father experiencing paranoid thoughts?
When did these behaviors start?
How does your mother handle them now?
