Understanding Behaviour Guide
Learn to recognize that behaviour is a form of communication and develop compassionate, effective responses to common behaviours encountered in dementia care.
Core Principles of Behaviour Analysis
Behaviour is Communication
- • All behaviour has meaning
- • Look beyond the action to understand the message
- • Consider what needs might be expressed
Person-First Approach
- • Focus on the person, not the behaviour
- • Consider the individual's history and preferences
- • Recognize that behaviours are not deliberately difficult
Environmental Factors
- • Assess how the environment might contribute
- • Consider triggers that may prompt certain behaviours
- • Adapt surroundings to support needs
Behaviour Analysis
Agitation and Restlessness
Pacing, fidgeting, or appearing anxious and unable to settle
Possible Causes
- • Physical discomfort or pain
- • Medication side effects
- • Overstimulation from noise or activity
- • Unmet needs (hunger, thirst, toileting)
- • Feeling lost or insecure
Select Your Approach
1 of 3
Practical Tips for Responding to Behaviours
Do
- ✓ Look for patterns in when behaviours occur
- ✓ Consider physical causes first (pain, hunger, etc.)
- ✓ Respond with calm, reassuring communication
- ✓ Adapt the environment to reduce triggers
- ✓ Use validation rather than correcting or arguing
- ✓ Document behaviours to identify patterns
Don't
- ✗ Take behaviours personally or as intentional
- ✗ Argue or try to use logic to correct
- ✗ Rush or force compliance with care
- ✗ Use restraint or punishment for behaviours
- ✗ Label the person as "difficult" or "problematic"
- ✗ Overmedicate to manage behaviours without trying other approaches first