Dementia caregivers face a wide range of challenges, but the most difficult behaviors and conditions often fall into several categories due to the progressive cognitive, emotional, and physical decline of the person with dementia. Here are the top challenges:
1. Aggression and Violent Behaviors
- Physical aggression (hitting, biting, pushing)
- Verbal aggression (yelling, cursing, threats)
- Often triggered by fear, pain, confusion, or unmet needs
- Can pose safety risks to the caregiver and others
2. Wandering and Exit-Seeking
- Unpredictable attempts to leave the home or care facility
- High risk of getting lost or injured
- Often linked to disorientation or a desire to “go home”
3. Sundowning (Late-Day Confusion)
- Increased agitation, confusion, or restlessness in the late afternoon or evening
- Disrupts both the person with dementia and the caregiver’s sleep and daily routine
4. Hallucinations and Delusions
- Seeing or believing things that aren’t real
- May accuse caregivers of stealing or infidelity
- Can cause fear, paranoia, and increased resistance to care
5. Resistance to Personal Care
- Refusal to bathe, change clothes, eat, or take medications
- Often tied to fear, lack of understanding, or embarrassment
- Makes daily caregiving tasks much more difficult
6. Incontinence and Hygiene Issues
- Loss of bladder/bowel control
- Leads to increased workload, hygiene concerns, and embarrassment
7. Repetitive Questions or Behaviors
- Asking the same thing repeatedly or performing the same action
- Can be emotionally exhausting for caregivers
8. Depression, Anxiety, and Apathy
- Emotional withdrawal, sadness, or fear
- Decreased motivation or interest in daily activities
- Hard to detect and treat in people with limited communication
9. Sleep Disturbances
- Insomnia, nighttime wandering, reversed sleep cycles
- Disrupts caregiver rest and increases burnout risk
10. Communication Difficulties
- Struggles with finding words or understanding others
- Leads to frustration on both sides and may escalate behaviors
National Statistics
- According to the Alzheimer’s Association (2024), 83% of dementia care is provided by unpaid family members, many of whom report high emotional and physical stress.
- Over 50% of caregivers report dealing with aggression or resistance to care weekly.
- More than 60% of people with dementia will wander at least once, often without warning.
The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP) can help caregivers, healthcare professionals, and organizations manage the challenges of dementia care through a comprehensive set of training, certification, and support services. Here’s how:
✅ For Individual Caregivers and Professionals
- Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) Credential
- Empowers professionals with skills to handle difficult behaviors, communication issues, and care planning.
- Includes the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care (ADDC) seminar required for certification.
- Specialized Certifications
- CADDCT – Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer
- CFRDT – Certified First Responder Dementia Trainer
- CMDCP – Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional
- These enable advanced practice or the ability to train others.
- Caregiver Tips and Resources
- Practical guides on handling aggression, wandering, sundowning, and personal care resistance.
- Downloadable toolkits, behavior tracking forms, and environmental checklists.
✅ For Memory Care and Healthcare Organizations
- In-Service Training Curriculum
- Pre-approved training modules for staff on topics like de-escalation, communication, and dignity in care.
- Helps meet regulatory compliance in many states (e.g., Illinois, Arizona, Georgia, Texas, and others recognizing NCCDP).
- Corporate Group Training and Support
- Offers onsite or virtual training tailored for your team.
- Ongoing support to implement dementia-friendly policies and improve care culture.
- Recognition and Compliance Support
- NCCDP credentials meet or exceed most state dementia training mandates.
- Helps communities meet licensing and quality standards with recognized national certifications.
✅ For Families and Community Caregivers
- Online dementia education to improve understanding of what to expect.
- Teaches how to respond to difficult behaviors with empathy and effectiveness.
- Encourages caregiver self-care and stress reduction techniques.
Backed by Data & National Reach
- A nationwide network of professional Certified Trainers
- Curriculum used in long-term care, home health, hospitals, and assisted living
- High satisfaction rates with practical, real-world caregiving applications
