Empowering carers: we're here to help

Dementia isn't just about memory loss; when behaviours change it can present significant challenges. Changes in behaviour impact not only the person living with dementia but also those providing care and support. 

Our new Understanding dementia's changing behaviours video series offers valuable advice to carers supporting someone living with dementia to better navigate when behaviours change. In collaboration with geriatrician and Senior Research Fellow, Professor Sue Kurrle, these videos provide practical insights into recognising behaviours and tips to help manage these changes.

"This comprehensive video series equips caregivers with tailored guidance on the range of behaviours and psychological systems of dementia they might experience."

The videos address those moments when a carer might think, "I'm not sure how to handle this anymore..." or "This is becoming overwhelming." Each video delves into a specific topic offering valuable strategies and understanding. The topics include:

1. Aggression: This might appear as verbal or physical outbursts directed towards others or objects.
2. Anxiety: Including fixations, sadness, confusion, tension, or nervousness.
3. Agitation: Impacted by approach, or environment, and can manifest in physical or verbal ways
4. Apathy: A person with dementia might have a lack of interest or motivation.
5. Disinhibition: They may experience uncharacteristic behaviours or statements.
6. Hallucinations: This may include seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.
7. Refusal of personal care: A person with dementia might refuse activities like taking medication or showering due to many factors like pain, confusion, or embarrassment.
8. Sleep changes: Where disturbed sleep patterns or confusion between night and day occurs.
9. Desire to leave: This includes a lack of recognition of the surroundings or the people around them.
10. Walking or pacing: This is often called “wandering” where the person with dementia may potentially endanger themselves, or need redirection.

Click here to access the full video series. 

If you need help caring for a person with dementia because of behaviour change, support is readily available nationwide through Dementia Support Australia (DSA) consultants. Call our 24/7 helpline on 1800 699 799 or browse some of our other helpful resources to learn more or get help.