Anger, confusion and loss of sleep often are signs of extra stress placed on patients being cared for by family or friends. Experts at the Family Caregiver Alliance offer an online in-depth behavior management guide to help deal with such situations.
They suggest maximizing communication with the person being cared for by eliminating distractions, such as turning off TVs and radios, and making eye contact, talking to the person involved in short, direct sentences.
If incontinence is a factor, establish a routine for drinking fluids and going to the bathroom. If needed, place signs with pictures along the path from that person's bedroom to the bathroom to help them successfully make the trip.
Agitated behavior can be calmed by reducing noise and speaking in a reassuring voice. Sometimes a night light can calm and reduce confusion to those whose agitation increases at night. The alliance Web site also provides guidelines for paranoia, dressing and bathing.
