Behaviours That Challenge Us
Recently, the Memory Matters team had the privilege of running three special training sessions all about understanding those behaviours that can sometimes feel challenging.
It was a fantastic chance for all of us to dig into the sometimes tricky ways dementia symptoms can influence behaviour, impact staff, when visiting loved ones, and especially the wonderful people who live at the care home we had the honour of working with on this occasion.
Together, we took a peek into the neurological changes, helping us see beyond just labelling actions as "difficult." The big takeaway? Every behaviour tells a story. When we tune in, we can start to figure out what someone might be trying to communicate.
The training was about giving the care team some practical ways to understand and investigate what might be triggering certain behaviours, what could be motivating them, and what might be happening underneath the surface. We looked at how to really observe what's happening, how to communicate with empathy, and even how the environment can play a part – all to help us piece together the individual stories.
But it wasn't just about understanding; it was about action! We spent time chatting and practising ways to turn that understanding into really person-centred support. We explored ways to help folks feel more settled, different communication techniques to try, and how creating a supportive and predictable environment can make a world of difference.
Honestly, the enthusiasm and dedication of the care team were just brilliant. They jumped right in, shared their own experiences, and asked such thoughtful questions – it made for a fantastic learning space for everyone. It really showed how much they care and how committed they are to providing the very best care.
Here at Memory Matters, we truly believe that when we understand more, we can care better.
If you are interested in learning more about Memory Matters' training programs or how we support organisations affected by dementia, please do not hesitate to get in touch.