How to de-escalate dementia anxiety; find a support group or workshop, and more

Alzheimer's Association Florida Gulf Coast

Find a Support Group

Support groups create a safe, confidential environment and a chance for participants to develop informal mutual support and social relationships. They also inform participants about dementia and help them develop skills to solve problems. Find a support group to meet your needs here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gyv-zC-3L3uIi6p0YBQBKxE2MMYvJH4W/view.

Alzheimer's Program Schedule

Find programs in your area including in-person Alzheimer’s education workshops for caregivers and others, awareness programs like Brain Bus stops and more here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xkOBz_nnP1NcyGv6tm_CXbfgBbx8AmDc_0sAm1yuwtY/edit#gid=0.

ARTICLE
Tips for De-Escalating Dementia Anxiety and Agitation
From ALZ MindFL.org, Alzheimer's Association, Florida
By Alzheimer’s Association Mission Mover and Volunteer Community Educator Carol White, MSW, Certified Dementia Practitioner, Certified Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care Trainer
       A pharmacist asked me for some tips not too long ago regarding a person with dementia who did not remember picking up their prescription. The person living with the disease came back the next day insisting they did not pick up the prescription the day before. This person had been coming to this pharmacy for many years and this was the first time they had ever forgotten they had already picked up a prescription. They were very adamant about not being in the store the day before.
       The pharmacist was able to calm the person living with the disease and reassure them by sharing that sometimes she gets so busy that she forgets that she did something.
       If you run into these kinds of challenges, consider these tips:
• Take a deep breath and smile. In this case, they still remembered her, so if you are calm, the interaction may be ok.
• Show them proof of their previous visit. In this case, the receipt.
• Redirect the conversation to something they enjoy talking about.
• Be courteous. In this case, the pharmacist said “thank you for taking the time to talk with me.”
• Follow up with family or their care partner. The pharmacist did a follow up call with this person’s family member to let them know what happened so they could show their parent the prescription.
       By remaining calm, you have the ability to look at how you can make the situation work. The person living with the disease is doing the best they can. By controlling your reaction, you have the ability to make the interaction a positive experience.
       Visit alz.org for more information, including tips on how to respond to someone living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia who might be agitated.
       The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline is available day or night at (800) 272-3900.

ONLINE WEBINAR
Friday, March 22, 2024, 12:00 p.m. noon ET
Discover ALZ
Discover how science is driving us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s from Baptist Health and the Alzheimer’s Association. Join us and our panel of experts who will share their insights and answer your questions. To attend in-person (Boca Raton Innovation Campus, 5000 T Rex Ave., Boca Raton, FL 33431, lunch is provided) or online, REGISTER HERE: https://alz-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UiHd2LH3RhKBWZjtrcm9lA#/registration.

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About the Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association® is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research, with the mission of leading the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Their vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.

Brain Bus is funded in partnership with the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc. Caregiver College is sponsored in part by Senior Connection Center, Inc. and the State of Florida, Department of Elder Affairs and Sarasota County Government.

Alzheimer's Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, 14010 Roosevelt Blvd, Ste. 709, Clearwater, FL 33762, website alz.org/flgulfcoast, phone (727) 578-2558.

Alzheimer's Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601, website alz.org, phone (800) 272-3900.