When coping with challenging behaviors, caregivers often have to take on many different roles to address and resolve the difficult behaviors. Having an understanding of the various modalities available, from simply redirecting the behavior to accessing professional help from a therapist or psychologist, is essential for family caregivers.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the various types of difficult behavioral issues seen in adult caregivers and the significance associated with them.
Comprehend the different approaches to addressing, managing, and resolving difficult behaviors among adult caregivers.
Educate family caregivers on the resources available to them, and how they can manage and resolve specific difficult behaviors in their care recipient.
When it comes to addressing the difficult behaviors of their adult children, family caregivers often feel overwhelmed and powerless to create change. Without first having a solid understanding of the behavior in question, the caregiver may be limited in their ability to find a solution or even effectively address the behavior. In some cases, caregivers can feel completely powerless over the situation and their care recipient.
Difficult behaviors can span a wide range of topics, including aggression, manipulation, name-calling, tantrums, and others. The significance and impact of these behaviors can range from minor to serious. When dealing with these behaviors, it’s necessary for the family caregiver to take a comprehensive approach, as different behaviors may require different tactics.
When addressing difficult behaviors, the first step for the family caregiver is to understand the root of the behavior, as this will enable the caregiver to determine the best way to address it. In some cases, the root of the behavior can be associated with a lack of understanding, communication breakdown, misunderstanding, or feeling overwhelmed. It is important to note that some difficulties may be more than the family unit can manage, and in those cases, it might be necessary to seek the help of a mental health professional, as their knowledge and experience could be of great help.
A common technique used when trying to address difficult behaviors is prevention, which consists of offering a reward when the behavior use is minimized or absent. This approach works well in that it both encourages the desired behavior and discourages the undesired behavior, while at the same time helping to reinforce a positive outlook on the future. However, this method is only effective when used in combination with other positive approaches, such as redirection and understanding.
Redirection is another technique used to address difficult behaviors. It involves the caregiver actively redirecting the care recipient away from the undesired behavior, towards an acceptable alternative. This technique works by offering the care recipient a different task or activity instead of engaging in the undesired behavior. This approach is often used in conjunction with other techniques, such as offering positive reinforcement for the desired behavior.
Other techniques such as problem-solving, identifying triggers, and reducing stress can also be effective in addressing difficult behaviors. Problem-solving involves teaching the care recipient how to think through a situation, identify the problem, and then work to come up with a solution. Identifying triggers assists the family caregiver in understanding the behavior and why it may be occurring, allowing them to be mindful of the triggers and attempt to avoid or reduce them. Reducing stress is another key component of addressing difficult behaviors, as it assists in eliminating negative influences and can encourage more positive behavior.
In some cases, specialized care and interventions may be necessary in order to address more serious difficult behaviors which could require accessing professional help from a therapist or psychologist. A professional could provide the necessary resources to help the family caregiver and their care recipient develop the tools and coping techniques necessary for a successful outcome.
Family caregivers of adult children will find themselves dealing with difficult behaviors at some point. Caregivers must identify and understand the root of the behavior and the different approaches available to address and manage the situation. Prevention, redirection, problem-solving, identifying triggers, and reducing stress are just a few of the techniques that can be employed. Ultimately, the most important point is that family caregivers have access to the resources necessary to successfully address any difficult behaviors that may arise.
Resources
National Alliance on Mental Illness - https://www.nami.org/
National Center on Caregiving - http://www.caregiver.org/
The Caregiver Space - https://thecaregiverspace.org/
Family Caregiver Alliance - https://www.caregiver.org/
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs - https://www.caregiver.va.gov/
Mental Health America - https://www.mhanational.org/
Caregiving.com - https://www.caregiving.com/
Family Caregiver Advocacy- https://thecaregiverspace.org/category/advocacy/