Managing Behavioral Symptoms in Dementia in Long-Term Care

Updated 30 October 2026 · Educational resource

Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, such as agitation, wandering, or resistance to care, are common in long-term care. Best practice emphasizes identifying triggers, using non-pharmacological approaches first, and reserving medication for situations where the person is at risk of harm and other measures have not helped.

Helpful approaches

• Look for underlying causes such as pain, infection, constipation, or unmet needs
• Maintain consistent routines and familiar caregivers
• Use calm communication and validation rather than correction
• Offer meaningful activities and reduce overstimulation
• Involve family in understanding what soothes or distresses the person
• Review medications regularly for drugs that may worsen confusion

Both US and UK regulators expect facilities to minimize unnecessary antipsychotic use and to document the rationale and monitoring when such medicines are prescribed. Families should ask how the home assesses and responds to behavioral changes.

Disclaimer: Behavioral symptoms require individual assessment. This page is general information only and is not a treatment plan.

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