Dealing with a sudden change of mood
If the change of mood has come on very suddenly, it’s important to check if there’s a medical reason behind it. It’s essential to rule out a urinary tract infection (UTI), as this can lead to a sudden change in mood. Symptoms of a UTI can include very sudden changes and increased confusion, as well as increased need for the toilet, nausea, vomiting, and a high or low temperature. <link to UTI article>.
Speak to the person’s GP as soon as possible if you suspect a UTI. Make sure the person has plenty of drink to reduce the risk of a UTI. Put glasses of water around the house in easily accessible places and add a note next to them saying ‘drink me’.
Dealing with anger
If the person seems angry and is saying nasty things, don’t respond in a contradictory or confrontational way yourself. Even if they make unflattering comments, it’s important to remember that dementia is a disease of the brain. This means it will affect moods and the person’s ability to edit or moderate their comments and behaviour.
If the person is angry and it’s safe to do so, give them some space. Leave the room and give them time to calm down. Five minutes later they may be fine.
Keep detailed notes of mood changes
It may help to document as much as you can about the person. While you’ll keeping notes relating to each visit anyway, it will be useful to keep detailed notes where possible about their mood. Write down what their mood is like when you visit and see if you can identify a pattern in sudden emotional changes. Does the person tend to be upset or more emotional later in the day for instance, around 4pm when the sun starts to go down? Is there a certain time of day when a sudden mood change occurs?
They may be affected by sundowning <link here to sundowning article>. This is a sudden change in mood that occurs late afternoon or early evening when it starts to get dark. While experts aren’t quite sure of the cause of sundowning, it may be triggered by boredom or restlessness. Keeping the person active or stimulated during the day may help to combat sundowning.
If the person seems unusually emotional, let their family know. Keep the lines of communication open with the person’s family if you can. Encourage the person’s family to leave notes in your book about their moods or if something has happened recently that may spark a change in mood or an event that has upset them.
Make sure you have access to a family member and call them to discuss something if you feel it needs attention. Good communication with the person’s family will improve their care and ensure you all work together for the best outcome.
Music can be a good way to improve the person’s mood if they seem particularly down, as it can trigger happy memories.
Opening the curtains and letting sunlight in can also be a mood booster, along with taking the person outside for some fresh air.
Distraction techniques can work if the person is feeling particularly upset or emotional. While it’s important not to dismiss their concerns, it’s important to be aware that emotional moments can come and go. If the person tells you they are upset, or seems upset, reassure them you are there for them and offer to make them a cup of tea. You could say: ‘I’m sorry you’re feeling upset. I’m here for you if you’d like to talk. Would you like a cup of tea first?’
You may find that by the time you’ve made the cup of tea, the emotional moment has gone. The person may be fine. Or it may simply be that they needed the reassurance of knowing that someone was there for them.
Another way to make the person feel better is to encourage them to help you. Simple household tasks like folding towels or helping you change bedsheets, can make the person feel valuable and needed.