Care of the person with Dementia who is stressed or Distressed

Care of the person with Dementia who is stressed or Distressed

1. Potential causes of wandering

   • Memory loss/ forgetfulness
   • Lost/ Confused due to a change of environement e.g. inpatint admissions ward
   • Excess energy
     • Physically fit having always had an active lifestyle
   • Express boredom
     • Lack of stimulation
     • No structured activites
   • Emotional wandering
     • Express loss
     • Searching for a loved one
   • Manfestation of pain/ discomfort
     • e.g. Constipation
     • The deterioration in the persons cognitive abilty makes them unable to express any pain/ discomfort
   • Sun downing
     • Wandering prior to retirement to bed

2. understand the persons Inner Experience

   • Identify the actual cause of wandering
   • Identify triggers which provoke the wandering
   • Idenify previoius routines
   • Person centred approach
     • Understanding the persons history
     • Understanding their current life situation
   • Communicate effectively