- safe ” plastic covers to doorknobs. consider installing a home security system or monitoring system designed to keep watch over someone with dementia. also available are new digital devices that can be worn like a watch or clipped on a belt that use global positioning systems ( gps ) or other technology to track a person ’ s whereabouts or locate him if he wanders off.. put away essential items such as the confused person ’ s coat, purse or glasses. some individuals will not go out without certain articles. have your relative wear an id bracelet and sew id labels in their clothes. always have a current photo available should you need to report your loved one missing. consider leaving a copy on file at the police department or registering the person with the alzheimer ’ s association safe return program ( see resources ). tell neighbors about your relative ’ s wandering behavior and make sure they have your phone number. the loss of bladder or bowel control often occurs as dementia progresses. sometimes accidents result from environmental factors ; for example, someone can ’ t remember where the bathroom is located or can ’ t get to it in time. if an accident occurs, your understanding and reassurance will help the person maintain dignity and minimize embarrassment. establish a routine for using the toilet. try reminding the person or assisting her to the bathroom every two hours. schedule fluid intake to ensure the confused person does not become dehydrated. however, avoid drinks with a diuretic effect like coffee, tea, cola, or beer. limit fluid intake in the evening before bedtime. use signs ( with illustrations ) to indicate which door leads to the bathroom. a commode, obtained at any medical supply store, can be left in the bedroom at night for easy access. incontinence pads and products can be purchased at the pharmacy or supermarket. a urologist may be able to prescribe a special product or treatment. use easy - to - remove clothing with elastic waistbands or velcroo closures, and provide clothes that are easily washable. agitation refers to a range of behaviors associated with dementia, including irritability, sleeplessness, and verbal or physical aggression. often these types of behavior problems progress with the stages of dementia, from mild to more severe. agitation may be triggered by a variety of things, including environmental factors, fear and fatigue. most often, agitation is triggered when the person experiences “ control ” being taken from him. reduce caffeine intake, sugar and junk food. reduce noise, clutter or the number of persons


of things, including environmental factors, fear and fatigue. most often, agitation is triggered when the person experiences “ control ” being taken from him. reduce caffeine intake, sugar and junk food. reduce noise, clutter or the number of persons in the room. maintain structure by keeping the same routines. keep household objects and furniture in the same places. familiar objects and photographs offer a sense of security and can suggest pleasant memories. try gentle touch, soothing music, reading or walks to quell agitation. speak in a reassuring voice. do not try to restrain the person during a period of agitation. keep dangerous objects out of reach. allow the person to do as much for himself as possible — support his independence and ability to care for himself. acknowledge the confused person ’ s anger over the loss of control in his life. tell him you understand his frustration. distract the person with a snack or an activity. allow him to forget the troubling incident. confronting a confused person may increase anxiety. repetitive speech or actions ( perseveration ) people with dementia will often repeat a word, state - ment, question or activity over and over. while this type of behavior is usually harmless for the person with dementia, it can be annoying and stressful to caregivers. sometimes the behavior is triggered by anxiety, boredom, fear or environmental factors. provide plenty of reassurance and comfort, both in words and in touch. try distracting with a snack or activity. avoid reminding them that they just asked the same question. try ignoring the behavior or question and distract the person into an activity. don ’ t discuss plans with a confused person until immediately prior to an event. you may want to try placing a sign on the kitchen table, such as, “ dinner is at 6 : 30 ” or “ lois comes home at 5 : 00 ” to remove anxiety and uncertainty about anticipated events. learn to recognize certain behaviors. an agitated state or pulling at clothing, for example, could indicate a need to use the bathroom. seeing a loved one suddenly become suspicious, jealous or accusatory is unsettling. remember, what the person is experiencing is very real to them. it is best not to argue or disagree. this, too, is part of the dementia — try not to take it personally. if the confused person suspects money is “ missing, ” allow her to keep small amounts of money in a pocket or handbag for easy inspection. help them look for the object and then distract them into another activity. try to learn where the


personally. if the confused person suspects money is “ missing, ” allow her to keep small amounts of money in a pocket or handbag for easy inspection. help them look for the object and then distract them into another activity. try to learn where the confused person ’ s favorite hiding places are for storing objects, which are frequently assumed to be “ lost. ” avoid arguing. take time to explain to other family members and home - helpers that suspicious accusations are a part of the dementing illness. try nonverbal reassurances like a gentle touch or hug. respond to the feeling behind the accusation and then reassure the person. you might try saying, “ i see this frightens you ; stay with me, i won ’ t let anything happen to you. ” restlessness, agitation, disorientation and other troubling behavior in people with dementia often get worse at the end of the day and sometimes continue throughout the night. experts believe this behavior, commonly called sundowning, is caused by a combination of factors, such as exhaustion from the day ’ s events and changes in the person ’ s biological clock that confuse day and night. increase daytime activities, particularly physical exercise. discourage inactivity and napping during the day. watch out for dietary culprits, such as sugar, caffeine and some types of junk food. eliminate or restrict these types of foods and beverages to early in the day. plan smaller meals throughout the day, including a light meal, such as half a sandwich, before bedtime. plan for the afternoon and evening hours to be quiet and calm ; however, structured, quiet activity is important. perhaps take a stroll outdoors, play a simple card game or listen to soothing music together. turning on lights well before sunset and closing the curtains at dusk will minimize shadows and may help diminish confusion. at minimum, keep a nightlight in the person ’ s room, hallway and bathroom. make sure the house is safe : block off stairs with gates, lock the kitchen door and / or put away dangerous items. as a last resort, consider talking to the doctor about medication to help the agitated person relax and sleep. be aware that sleeping pills and tranquilizers may solve one problem and create another, such as sleeping at night but being more confused the next day. it ’ s essential that you, the caregiver, get enough sleep. if your loved one ’ s nighttime activity keeps you awake, consider asking a friend or relative, or hiring someone, to take