Caregiver Training: Agitation and Anxiety | UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program

The UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Video series provides viewers with practical tools you can use in a variety of settings to create a safe, comfortable environment both for the person with dementia and the caregiver.

[debby]

Being a caregiver is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting. No one will ever understand unless they do it. Such a heartbreaking disease 💔

[locs_bjuicy]

I can tell you from 21 yrs of experience that kindness goes a long ways never force anything, only encourage. Patience & passion is the key.

[michellesolis]

I've been a CNA for 30 years and this approach of being kind and calm and gentle doesn't always work

[cm]

Unrealistic, it's so different in real life. I have really lost my patience at times with my grandmother. The more I am understanding towards her the more she acts out.

[damegad]

To the families that are dealing with a parent with this disease Please be strong through this. I know this pain ❤️

[timpieper]

My father has been an angry, mean man my entire life, and it's significantly worse now. The situation is extremely difficult to the point that these things I've tried have little to no effect, and it's very hard to have sympathy/empathy for him in his worst moments. I truly wish things like this worked half as well as depicted in the video.

[khanakhan]

It's an unending circle with no end. All these advices multiply with zero while dealing with actual patient. You are bound to lose your temper, say things you don't want to say, do things you don't want to do - despite regretting them later. May those who take care of these patients be blessed. It is one hell of a tough job; keeping them alive with no hope of recovery.

[mosim]

I let my Mom wear what she wants (no matter how CRAZY it may look) - it helps her to keep her autonomy!

[micheleauntiem]

I find my tone of voice with patients is incredibly important. As a speech path often the person may no longer understand what you say. But if you are talking sweetly and giving 10 seconds for a reaction/response that helps. Bring out the angel, not the devil.

[angelahotgirlinsd]

My grandma had dementia and forgot our names but she would say your one of mine. Nana loved to sing and share her childhood rhymes and riddles. She was a fun funny and a loving grandma. I miss you nana ♥️

[meganowen]

I'm 18 and have been a care assistant for people with severe dementia for nearly a year now. It's an incredibly rewarding job and it's been an amazing experience. My advice here to anyone who is caring for a family member with dementia is to remember they're still people, they still feel valid human emotions. Don't react to their anger with more anger, be paitent because it's the disease that's making them this way and it usually is an indication of something. Learn what their behaviour means and try a variety of responses. For example, we have one resident who shouts and becomes distressed when he is thirsty or hungry. Learn the signs and always be calm. Dementia doesn't need to be scary!

[JackOfAllTrades]

For those of you taking care of your loved ones, hang in there, it’s not easy, I know, I’ve been there. It is stressful but in the end, you will know you did the right thing. You will have no regrets. But when it gets to the point where it’s no longer manageable, get professional help. The last 2 years of my mom’s life, we had to put her in a memory care facility. Very expensive, but worth every penny to be able to release some of that stress. I had no support from my brothers. I had to sell their house and all their belongings and we lived 11 hours away, so it wasn’t easy to say the least. But now she isn’t suffering any longer. God has come to take her. Stay strong!

[ventibreeze]

I’ve worked as a carer for dementia clients for 17 years I can honestly say it’s no longer rewarding, the fact that we are trying to do a job, keep them safe, keep them clean, keep them well fed and hydrated when they just make our lives ten times harder, I know they can’t help it but it’s too much of a struggle and some of their families don’t give a damn about them, it’s having a real negative effect on my health and mental well being.

[JohnSmith-pztf]

This is exactly what I’m going through with my father. I’m 25 and this is the hardest thing in my life. It’s getting to the point to where he has to go get professional care. I love my father, it’s sad that he went from a loving caring person to a angry forgetful man.

[cybergacha]

I am scared.... my Grandmother has dementia, and I have learnt there’s a point where they forget everyone, and I remembered my grandmother told me she’d never forget me....

[antdell]

Dear Lord, keep this disease away from my loved ones.

[mickireinman]

Many times a UTI will cause the same responses. Make sure you consult their doctor. Take a deep breath and remain calm, it’s not personal; it’s simply their “reality”.

[tombagreen]

I'm a 39 years old woman and my mom is a 78 years old woman that suffer from dementia. I've been her health care provider for 20 years. I'm doing everything to try to help her and I'm always calm and she goes off on me all of the time even though I'm trying to help her. I reach out to my sister and she said that it's not her problem and I must deal with it. I feel so sad and depressed because it's triggering my depression and anxiety. I'm bipolar and dealing with PTSD and I began to shut down and go in my room and let my mom do what she do to keep her for going off on me. Sometimes I just wish she would die already.

[xxTrumpetBoyxx]

except she continues to yell at me even when I'm calm

[ulisesherdez]

Hardest job ever
Got to be a saint 🙏
To care for demented patient's