Challenging behaviours are a common part of dementia, often resulting from changes in the brain that affect memory, communication, emotions, and the ability to interpret the environment. For families, witnessing these behaviours can be distressing. In dementia nursing homes, behavioural support is not about control — it is about understanding the cause behind the behaviour and responding with compassion, structure, and respect.
This article explains the approaches used to support residents experiencing agitation, wandering, resistance to care, or emotional outbursts, and highlights the importance of a personalised care philosophy.
Why Challenging Behaviours Happen
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Individuals with dementia may struggle to express pain, discomfort, fear, or frustration through words. As communication becomes difficult, behaviours can become the primary form of expression. Common triggers include:
- Physical discomfort or pain
- Overstimulation (noise, crowding, unfamiliar environment)
- Confusion or disorientation
- Loneliness or emotional distress
- Changes in routine or caregivers
Recognizing these triggers is central to creating supportive, calm, and reassuring daily environments.
Key Methods Used to Support Behavioural Needs
| Support Method | Description | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Behavioural Assessments | Care teams observe patterns, triggers, and emotional cues for each resident. | Allows staff to respond to the root cause, not just the behaviour. |
| Consistent Routines | Daily activities follow familiar rhythms with minimal unexpected changes. | Reduces anxiety and confusion. |
| Personalised Communication Techniques | Using calm tone, visual cues, eye contact, and simple explanations. | Supports understanding and builds trust. |
| Sensory and Therapeutic Activities | Music, hand massage, aromatherapy, or reminiscence sessions. | Promotes relaxation, identity, and emotional well-being. |
| Environmental Adaptations | Comfortable lighting, quiet spaces, secure walking areas. | Prevents overstimulation and supports safe movement. |
When Medical Support Is Required
While non-medication approaches are always prioritised, some situations require clinical intervention. If a resident experiences serious distress that cannot be alleviated through supportive methods, healthcare professionals may evaluate:
- Pain management
- Undiagnosed infection or discomfort
- Medication review to treat underlying symptoms rather than the behaviour itself
Any treatment plan must be carefully monitored and regularly reassessed to avoid over-sedation and preserve quality of life.
The Role of Families
Families contribute essential knowledge: life history, preferences, temperament, past routines, and significant memories. Sharing these details helps create individualized care plans that reduce emotional distress and help the person feel known and understood.
Ongoing communication between families and care teams ensures continuity and reinforces dignity throughout the dementia journey.
FAQ – Optimised for Search
Why do people with dementia sometimes show challenging behaviours?
Behaviours often express unmet needs such as pain, confusion, fear, or frustration when communication becomes difficult.
How do nursing homes manage agitation or aggression?
They observe triggers, maintain calm routines, use adapted communication techniques, and provide sensory or therapeutic activities to reduce stress.
Are medications commonly used to manage behaviour?
Medication is considered only after non-pharmacological strategies have been tried, and always under careful medical supervision.
How can families help reduce behavioural distress?
Sharing personal history, preferred routines, and meaningful comfort items helps create familiarity and emotional reassurance.
Need help finding a care home?
Senior Home Plus offers free personalized guidance to help you find a care facility that suits your health needs, budget, and preferred location in the UK.
Call us at 0203 608 0055 to get expert assistance today.
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