Dementia behaviors — responding without escalating

Don't argue with the person's reality — stay calm, respond to the feeling behind the behavior, redirect gently, and look for the unmet need (pain, hunger, bathroom, fear, overstimulation).

1. 1Approach from the front, at eye level, with a calm voice and simple short sentences.
2. 2Validate the feeling ('That sounds scary') instead of correcting the facts.
3. 3Redirect to a familiar activity, snack, music, or a different room.
4. 4Look for triggers: pain, hunger, needing the bathroom, noise, a change in routine.
5. 5If the person becomes aggressive, give space and keep both of you safe — leave the room if needed and call for help.
6. 6Report new or worsening behaviors — they can signal illness (like a UTI) and the care team needs to know.

Behavior is communication. A person with dementia who resists care is usually telling you something — too cold, embarrassed, in pain, or confused about what's happening. Slow down and explain each step.