 |
|
|
|
|
We know that dementia can be frightening and confusing for our residents and have a devastating impact on you, their friends and family members. Delusions and hallucinations are common, and this can be very upsetting. This person you love may accuse others -- or even you -- of stealing from them, lying to them, or even trying to kill them. They may insist that they are fully capable of living independently -- even though this is clearly not possible -- and should be in their own house. They may hear voices or insist that they see dead friends and family members. A resident may be frightened of her reflection in a mirror because she thinks it is a stranger, and you may be unable to convince her otherwise. A cognitively impaired person may lose his inhibitions and remove clothing just because it's too warm -- an embarrassing situation for you, but a natural response for him. Wandering is very common, and so is the pacing, shouting, or striking out that can accompany agitation and aggression. And because different parts of the brain are affected at different rates in different individuals, these symptoms and behaviors will vary, not only from one resident to the next, but within the same resident over time.
We understand how distressing it is for you when your loved one exhibits these symptoms. Agitation and aggression can be particularly upsetting. But it is our challenge to meet the needs of each resident, whatever their abilities are at a particular time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
