Mental health and distressed behaviour

Dementia is a condition that damages the brain, affecting the person’s memory, cognitive ability and behaviour. Ninety percent of people with dementia experience a form of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).

This distressed behaviour can be expressed as either verbal/physical agitation and/or aggression. These behaviours often don’t fit the resident’s environment and therefore are challenging to staff, relatives, and other residents.

Agitation is not the person’s fault but a behaviour thus it is important that we understand distressed behaviour communicates an unmet need.

Managing distressed behaviour

In order to manage distressed behaviour in people with dementia it is essential to try to identify and address any underlying cause for these behaviours.

Common causes of distressed behaviour may be a result of either an individual or combination of a physical, environmental and psychological/social triggers e.g. infection, discomfort, boredom or an emotional need.

Pharmacological intervention may be required in the management of distressed behaviour in some people with dementia. Avoiding a pharmacological approach has the benefit of reducing harmful side effects from medication.

It is preferable to implement a non-pharmacological intervention whenever possible, to help calm and soothe people with dementia, improving their well-being and reducing distressed behaviours. Such interventions may include therapeutic communication, meaningful social interaction, music, reminiscence, and pet therapy.

Investing time in both identifying a trigger for distressed behaviour and implementing an appropriate intervention can create a more pleasant care experience for both residents and staff, reducing time spent dealing with residents in distress and lessening the use of potentially harmful medication.

To assist with the management of distressed behaviour in residents living with dementia, CHSS have developed a care plan and visual tool to help guide staff in both understanding and implementing a more therapeutic approach to BPSD.

It may be beneficial to ensure a copy of the visual tool is displayed for staff to readily access for guidance.

In partnership with your CHSS Physical Health Nurse please use the care plan documents to commence a plan of care for your residents demonstrating distressed behaviour.