Are you dealing with “problem” behaviors as you struggle to care for your loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia? You are not alone. Are you wondering why “problem” is in quotation marks? Well, read on! I believe that although much is lost at each stage of dementia, there is much that remains. I believe that when you see the “why” of a behavior, it ceases to be “problem” and rather becomes an opportunity for deeper connection. Did you know that almost all behaviors are because of an unmet need? I believe that by understanding this basic tenet and then using that knowledge to reframe the disease and its effects, we can better meet the needs of those we love. The techniques you will find in this guide will help you navigate the rough days and steer you toward more graceful days. This approach to behavior management has been developed over years working with people with dementia. In these pages, you will find an approach for just about any behavior that emerges! You will come to understand HOW to manage the behavior by learning WHY certain behaviors occur and WHAT you can do to keep “problem” behaviors at a minimum. Using a proven, systematic approach to behavior management based on the acronym, G.R.A.C.E., you will you discover the meaning behind each step, and discover how extending and receiving grace can help both your loved one receiving care AND you, as a caregiver. I will strive to explain why certain behaviors occur, and what to do about them, in a concise, easy to find way. This book is set up so that you can click on any “problem” behavior and find a solution quickly, but I encourage you to start at the beginning so that you have a broader understanding of why the behavior started in the first place. Once you understand the system in context, it will make for less emergent behaviors overall.

This book was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services 45.310 State Library Program 2020-2021.