Managing Constipation
Constipation is common in persons living with dementia given their reduced awareness, and especially those who are older persons who may be relatively immobile. Poor food, fibre and fluid intake may also cause constipation. Constipation is a source of discomfort, and can worsen confusion and agitation. It also makes passing urine more difficult and can cause urinary retention.
Additional Resources for Other Behaviour Changes
1. Talking Point | CNA Insider
Looking after a loved one living with dementia can be frustrating. In this episode of Talking Point, it provides you with some tips on what to do when you face the following 3 scenarios – when your loved one living with dementia:
Refuses to bathe
Forgets that he/ she has eaten and keeps demanding for food
Accuses you or others of stealing
Dementia-Friendly Neighbourhoods
This article lists some examples of neighbourhoods in Singapore, where adjustments have been made to address the needs of persons impacted by dementia. These examples feature the adaptation of different aspects of the environment, including the physical and social environments, to aid wayfinding and support the wellbeing of persons living with dementia.
Managing Wandering Behaviour
Many persons living with dementia feel the urge to walk about and in some cases leave their homes. Though it is sometimes termed as “wandering”, it is rarely ever aimless. Persons living with dementia may simply not remember where they had set out to go, or what they had intended to do.
Managing Sundowning
What Is Sundowning?
Your loved one living with dementia may display behaviour changes particularly in the evening which include agitation, aggression, confusion and restlessness. This is known as sundowning and often occurs in the moderate to severe stages of dementia.
Mealtime Behaviours
Persons living with dementia may sometimes refuse to eat. They may become angry, agitated, or challenging to feed during mealtimes. This can happen for a variety of reasons:
Disliking the food
Feeling rushed
Feeling uncomfortable with people or the environment
Feeling frustrated with the difficulties they are having
It can be challenging to identify what the actual problem is, particularly if they have difficulties communicating. It is important to remember that these reactions are not deliberate.
Managing Agitation & Aggression
At some point, your loved one living with dementia may behave aggressively, display an outburst of emotions, or act angrily towards individuals around them. Find tips to managing these behaviours.
Helping a Person with Dementia Who Lives Alone
Persons living with dementia, especially in the earlier stages of dementia, may choose to live alone to maintain their independence for as long as possible, or to remain in a familiar neighbourhood. As the dementia progresses to moderate and advanced stages, it is likely that alternate living arrangements have to be made. Here are some tips for you if you are a care professional working with persons with dementia who live alone.
Helping Your Loved One Who Lives Alone
Persons living with dementia, especially in the earlier stages of dementia, may choose to live alone to maintain their independence for as long as possible, or to remain in a familiar neighbourhood. As the dementia progresses to moderate and advanced stages, it is likely that alternate living arrangements have to be made. Here are some tips for you, as a caregiver, on how you can offer care to your loved one with dementia who lives alone.
