Behaviors associated with dementia can be scary or hurtful.
Accusations, demands, demeaning comments.
Yelling, swearing, spitting, hitting, pinching.
Refusing help when it's desperately needed.
Behavior is often called by ugly words.
Meanness
Aggression
Agitation
Paranoia
Sundowning
Behavior problems
But above all else, behavior is communication.
Behavioral communication is when information, meaning, or messages are conveyed via behavior.
And while it may be true that a behavior can be aggressive – and that it can be a problem – we can't stop the thought there.
For if we do
we will miss the very best chance
we have to alleviate the issue.
"Behaviors" = unmet needs
Our people with dementia often use their behavior to tell us what they need.
It is up to us to receive their message and identify the need.
Meet the need, alleviate the behavior.
Let's talk about it at Thursday's Open Microlesson LIVE.
This week, we're covering the topic:
What is Behavioral Communication in Dementia Care?
If you can't make the Live Group,
you can check it out in our Microlessons.
https://abcdementia.circle.so/c/microlessons/
