Behavioural changes in seniors – can be a total nightmare, and cause so much stress for families. A once patient parent can suddenly become short-tempered, or your lovely social Mum/Dad can start pulling away from everyone. It can leave you wondering what’s normal and when to get some help – before things reach breaking point.
Getting to the bottom of why these changes occur, is the first step towards not losing your cool and responding with some actual empathy.
Why Behaviour Changes Happen to People as They Get Older
Behaviour changes in elderly adults almost never just come out of thin air – there’s usually a reason behind them. And let’s face it, aging is a complex business, and it takes its toll on the brain, body, and emotional wellbeing.
The most common causes of behaviour changes include:
- Dementia or cognitive decline
- Chronic illness or pain that just won’t go away
- Side effects of medication
- Depression or anxiety
- Loss of independence or an unsettling change to their routine.
Understanding what’s behind the change is the best way to respond, rather than making assumptions and snapping at them – that really doesn’t help.
The Behaviour Changes We See Most Often in Seniors
Some of the most common behaviour changes include:
- Mood swings that just seem to come out of nowhere
- Pulling away from social activities and the people they love
- Increasingly getting confused or forgetful
- Sleep problems or insomnia
- Getting agitated or restless
These changes can creep up gradually or hit you out of the blue – especially after a major illness, hospital visit, or life-changing event.
Behavioural Changes and Cognitive Decline
People with dementia-related conditions will often exhibit behaviour changes before you even notice any memory loss. They might start struggling with communication, making decisions or controlling their emotions.
Dementia can cause some pretty normal-looking people to:
- Get stuck in a loop of repetition
- Be resistant to care or treatment
- Start to develop paranoia or get really fearful
- Go off on one with emotional outbursts
These are just symptoms of what’s happening in their brain – not a reflection of their personality.
How Families Can Respond to Behavioural Changes with Compassion
Keeping your cool and responding the same way all the time can really make a big difference – not just for elderly loved ones, but also the poor overwhelmed caregivers.
Helpful things to try include:
- Sticking to routines and what you know works
- Keeping your communication simple and clear
- Avoiding getting into arguments or confrontations
- Offering plenty of reassurance and support
And of course – if you’ve got the budget – getting in some professional help from a specialist caregiver or two can make all the difference.
When Behavioural Changes Need More than a Cup of Tea
Behavioural changes in seniors should never be ignored when they start to:
- Make it hard for them to look after themselves safely
- Lead to aggression, wandering off or other safety issues
- Cause medication mistakes or other problems
- Leave you feeling burnt out and exhausted
Getting support early on is a much better option than waiting for things to get really out of hand.
How Home Care Can Help Manage Behavioural Changes
Home care really is a lifesaver when it comes to behaviour changes – it provides the structure, emotional support and consistency that helps to calm things down.
Specialist caregivers:
- Know what to do when dementia is involved
- Can help redirect calmly
- Can reduce anxiety by sticking to routines
- Will be a huge help to you and your family, with all the education and guidance you’ll need.
FAQs
Are behavioral changes normal in seniors?
Some changes are part of aging, but persistent or severe changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Can medications cause behavior changes in elderly adults?
Yes. Certain medications or interactions can affect mood, sleep, and behavior.
When should families seek help for behavior changes?
If behavior affects safety, daily functioning, or emotional well-being, professional support is recommended.
