Dementia and Positive Behaviour Support
People living with dementia may experience changes in memory, communication, sensory processing, emotional regulation and orientation. These changes can influence how they interact with their environment and how they express their needs.
PBS for people with dementia focuses on:
- Understanding the person’s history, identity and preferences to ensure supports are meaningful and respectful.
- Identifying triggers and environmental stressors such as noise, overstimulation, unfamiliar routines or communication mismatches.
- Supporting emotional and sensory regulation, including calming environments, predictable routines and sensory-friendly approaches.
- Enhancing communication through visual supports, simplified language, and validating the person’s lived experience.
- Building supportive environments that reduce confusion, promote autonomy and maintain dignity.