Hello everyone, Happy Easter! This is probably like no Easter you’ve ever celebrated before. We hope you and your residents have a chance to go outside and experience the first bursts of Spring in the air. You are probably used to having many visitors to your communities on Easter Sunday, with loved ones and friends […]
Tag: Dementia
How to Respond to Repeating Questions
Hello everyone, Sometimes people with dementia ask the same question or say the same thing over and over and over again. Although we know that the person doesn’t realize he/she is doing this, it can still become extremely frustrating for staff who want to help, but may eventually give up and begin ignoring the person’s […]
Tips to Manage Sundowning
Hello everyone, “‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…” But perhaps, some your residents are? People with dementia often struggle with restlessness, agitation, irritability or confusion that can begin or worsen in late afternoon and early evening, and can continue into the night. Commonly […]
Holiday Gift Ideas for People with Dementia
Hello everyone, It can be difficult for family and friends to come up with gift ideas for their loved ones who have dementia. Fortunately, DailyCaring.com has done the work for us! Below is a link to their website with a great list of gift ideas for people with various levels of cognitive ability. Please take […]
All Hands on Deck
Hello everyone, To change how everyone in your settings manages behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with dementia, we need all hands on deck! Your identified champions are your leaders and role models. These individuals play a vital role in implementing the strategies we want all staff to use when working with residents with behavior and […]
Managing Behaviors without Antipsychotic Drugs
Hello everyone, We’ve shared tidbits before about the use of antipsychotic drugs to address the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, but this important issue is worth revisiting again. Dailycaring.com has a helpful article with tips on how to prevent and address some of the challenging behaviors of dementia like agitation and anxiety without the […]
Brief Videos Show Effective Ways to Handle Behavioral Challenges
Hello everyone, The UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program has developed a set videos addressing common behavioral challenges for caregivers. The brief videos first show a “typical” approach by a caregiver, followed by some discussion by an expert, and then show the “preferred approach” using the same scenario and a few more tips. The videos […]
How Engaged are Your Residents in Activities?
Hello everyone, When it comes to engaging residents in activities, especially people who have dementia, one size does not fit all. It can be challenging find activities that a particular resident will take part in and enjoy. In addition, communities sometimes rely on nursing assistants to engage residents in activities, and these staff are often […]
Detecting Delirium
Hello everyone, Dementia and old age are the strongest risk factors for delirium, a condition of acute confusion and rapid changes in brain function. It is important to distinguish delirium from behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, as delirium is a medical emergency that should be addressed immediately by the healthcare team. Delirium typically involves […]
What do you know about antipsychotic drug use in LTC?
Hello everyone, While the use of antipsychotic drugs in long term care facilities has been steadily decreasing in recent years, it remains an issue that facilities must be diligent about to ensure these drugs are used appropriately. Knowledge about the use of antipsychotics to treat behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) is imperative. Improving […]