Alzheimer Society hosting event on understanding behaviour

By Gillian Slade on January 5, 2018.

gslade@medicinehatnews.com  @MHNGillianSlade

To gain an understanding of behaviours often seen in those with dementia, the Alzheimer Society is sponsoring an event open to the public.

Sienna Caspar, assistant professor of therapeutic recreation for the University of Lethbridge, is the speaker at Understanding the Language of Behaviour, Jan. 13 at 2 p.m. at Medicine Hat College lecture theatre S159.

Responsive behaviour is generally used to describe agitation or aggressive behaviour in those with dementia, said Caspar.

The term is preferred by those with dementia, representing how their actions, words and gestures are a response, often intentional, that expresses something important about their personal, social or physical environment, said Caspar. The behaviour is the result of changes taking place in the brain, affecting memory, judgment, orientation and mood.

Responsive behaviours include all verbal expressions, gestures and actions to communicate meanings, needs and concerns. To gain an understanding of the meaning of these behaviours you need to consider the influencing factors, including physical, emotional and environmental aspects, she said.

“When someone exhibits a Responsive Behaviour, reflect on whether it is a problem for the person diagnosed, or for you,” said Caspar. “Will the solution cause more anxiety? Will changing my expectations affect the problem?”

Caspar received a B.Sc. in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of South Alabama in 1990. She has worked in long-term care facilities in both Canada and the United States for more than 20 years as both a certified therapeutic recreation specialist and a consultant. She is the author of the MARRCC (Measurable Assessment in Recreation for Resident-Centred Care).

From 2003 to 2007 she was a trainer for dementia practise guidelines for the non-pharmacological treatment of disturbing behaviours. In 2008 she received an MA in Gerontology from Simon Fraser University. Her thesis explored the relationship between care staff empowerment and the ability to provide person-centred care in long-term care settings.

At the Jan. 13 workshop, information will also be shared on new research into what non-pharmacologial interventions work best to treat responsive behaviours and why.

If you would like to attend, free tickets will be available at the door. If you require any additional information please call the local office for Alzheimer Society Alberta and NWT: 403-528-2700.

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