Behaviour Support for Dementia

Dementia can affect memory, communication, emotions and behaviour in different ways over time.
Some individuals may experience changes such as:

• agitation or distress
• confusion or disorientation
• wandering
• withdrawal or reduced engagement
• changes in communication
• resistance to care or daily activities

Behaviour support for dementia focuses on understanding what may be causing these changes and providing practical, respectful strategies to support the individual and those around them.

---

WHY BEHAVIOUR CHANGES HAPPEN IN DEMENTIA

Behaviour changes are often not intentional, they are usually linked to underlying needs or challenges.
Common contributing factors include:

• confusion or memory loss
• difficulty understanding the environment
• communication challenges
• physical discomfort or pain
• fatigue or sleep disruption
• changes in routine or surroundings
• emotional responses such as fear, frustration or anxiety

Behaviour is often a way of expressing a need that cannot be communicated clearly.

---

HOW POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT HELPS

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) focuses on understanding behaviour and supporting the person in a way that reduces distress and improves quality of life.

PBS may help by:
✔ identifying triggers and patterns
✔ reducing environmental stress
✔ supporting communication
✔ creating consistent routines
✔ improving safety
✔ supporting carers and families

Learn more about PBS here

---

DEMENTIA BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT STRATEGIES

Proactive Strategies

• maintaining familiar routines
• keeping environments calm and predictable
• reducing noise and overstimulation
• using clear cues and prompts
• simplifying tasks
• ensuring comfort (pain, hunger, fatigue)

Support Strategies

• using simple, reassuring communication
• allowing extra time for responses
• encouraging familiar activities
• using visual or environmental cues
• supporting independence where possible

​Reactive Strategies

• staying calm and reassuring
  
• avoiding confrontation
  
• reducing demands during distress
  
• redirecting attention gently
  
• ensuring safety for the individual and others
  

Learn more about PBS strategies

---

COMMON DEMENTIA-RELATED BEHAVIOURS

We support individuals experiencing:

• agitation or distress
• wandering or restlessness
• resistance to care
• confusion or disorientation
• withdrawal or reduced participation
• emotional outbursts

​Behaviour support focuses on understanding what may be contributing to these behaviours and adjusting supports accordingly.

---

SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES & CARERS

Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging, especially when behaviour changes occur.
We provide:

• practical strategies for day-to-day support
• guidance on communication
• support during challenging situations
• education to better understand behaviour

---

FUNCTIONAL BEHAVIOUR ASSESSMENT

If behaviours are frequent, complex or impacting safety, a Functional Behaviour Assessment may help identify:

• triggers and patterns
• environmental factors
• unmet needs
• effective support strategies

Learn more about Functional Behaviour Assessment

---

RISK & SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Some behaviours associated with dementia may increase risk, including:

• wandering
• agitation or aggression
• unsafe decision-making
• reduced awareness of surroundings

Behaviour support focuses on improving safety while maintaining dignity and independence.

---

NDIS BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT FOR DEMENTIA

Behaviour support may be available under the NDIS where dementia or cognitive impairment is linked to disability-related support needs and the individual is an eligible participant.
Support may include:

• assessment
• behaviour support planning
• carer support
• ongoing review

Learn more about NDIS PBS Support

---

HOW BELONG HEALTH SUPPORTS DEMENTIA

At Belong Health, we support individuals with dementia across Mandurah, Perth and WA.
We offer both Core and Specialist Behaviour Support, depending on the individual’s needs:

Core Behaviour Support (Queens Park – Community-Based)
Our Core Behaviour Support Practitioner supports:

• older adults with emerging or lower-complexity needs
• emotional regulation difficulties
• behavioural responses linked to routine changes or environment
• early intervention and practical strategy development

This support focuses on:

• day-to-day strategies
• routines and environmental adjustments
• supporting families and carers
• maintaining independence and participation

Learn More About Core Behaviour Support

Specialist Behaviour Support (Mandurah & WA)​
Our Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioner can assist with:

• behaviour changes linked to dementia
• emotional regulation difficulties
• risk-related behaviours
• support for families and carers
• functional behaviour assessments
• behaviour support plans

Learn More About Specialist Behaviour Support

---

TELEHEALTH SUPPORT ACROSS WA

We provide behaviour support via telehealth across Western Australia, supporting families and carers in regional and remote areas.

Learn More About PBS Telehealth

---

GETTING STARTED
​
If you’re noticing changes in behaviour for someone with dementia, support is available.
We can help you understand what may be happening and provide practical strategies to support daily life and wellbeing.
​
​Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us an email

free 20min PBS Session
with our PBS Specialist for ages 0-65+

Empowering individuals and families, one goal at a time.

Connect with Belong Health to experience personalised PBS services in the Peel Region, Perth Metro or via Telehealth Across Australia.
Our Free Connect PBS session with a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner  is designed to address your unique needs and empower you or your family.
​Secure your spot today and discover how our team can help you thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
​
What is Behaviour Support for dementia?
Behaviour Support for dementia focuses on understanding why behaviours occur and supporting individuals with strategies that reduce distress, improve communication, and maintain quality of life.

What is Positive Behaviour Support for dementia?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) for dementia is a person-centred approach that looks at behaviour as a form of communication and uses supportive, non-restrictive strategies to reduce distress.

What is a Behaviour Support Plan for dementia?
A Behaviour Support Plan is an individualised plan that outlines strategies to support a person with dementia, reduce behaviours of concern, and improve safety and wellbeing.

What behaviours are common in people with dementia?
Common behaviours may include:

• Agitation or restlessness
• Repetition or wandering
• Aggression or frustration
• Withdrawal or apathy
• Confusion or disorientation

Why do people with dementia show challenging behaviours?
Behaviours are often caused by:

• Confusion or memory loss
• Difficulty communicating needs
• Pain or discomfort
• Environmental changes
• Emotional distress or anxiety

What triggers behaviours in dementia?
Triggers may include:

• Changes in routine
• Noise or overstimulation
• Unfamiliar environments
• Fatigue
• Physical discomfort

How can behaviour in dementia be managed?
Behaviour is best supported by:

• Understanding the cause
• Adjusting the environment
• Supporting communication
• Using calm and consistent responses
• Maintaining familiar routines

What are Positive Behaviour Support strategies for dementia?
Strategies may include:

• Structured daily routines
• Familiar environments
• Clear and simple communication
• Meaningful activities
• Reducing sensory overload

What are proactive strategies for dementia?
Proactive strategies aim to prevent distress and may include:

• Maintaining consistent routines
• Minimising environmental changes
• Supporting orientation (e.g. cues, signage)
• Reducing triggers

What are reactive strategies for dementia?
Reactive strategies are used during distress and focus on:

• Staying calm and reassuring
• Reducing demands
• Providing comfort and reassurance
• Supporting de-escalation

How do you support someone with aggression in dementia?
Support includes:

• Identifying triggers
• Staying calm and non-confrontational
• Giving space if needed
• Redirecting attention
• Ensuring safety

What should you avoid when supporting someone with dementia?
Avoid:

• Arguing or correcting
• Sudden changes in routine
• Overstimulating environments
• Punishment-based responses

Do people with dementia get angry easily?
Anger or aggression can occur, often due to confusion, fear, or unmet needs rather than intentional behaviour.

How can you support someone with dementia at home?
At home, support may include:

• Creating consistent routines
• Using clear communication
• Reducing clutter and noise
• Supporting independence where possible

What calming activities help people with dementia?
Helpful activities may include:

• Music
• Gentle movement or walking
• Familiar tasks
• Sensory activities
• Looking at photos or memory items

Can a person with dementia live at home?
Many people can live at home with appropriate support, depending on their needs, safety, and available care.

What should be included in a Behaviour Support Plan for dementia?
A plan typically includes:

• Assessment of behaviour
• Triggers and patterns
• Proactive strategies
• Reactive strategies
• Environmental and communication supports

Who develops a Behaviour Support Plan for dementia?
Behaviour Support Plans are developed by trained professionals such as behaviour support practitioners, often working alongside allied health teams.

How does Behaviour Support help people with dementia?
It can help:

• Reduce distress and behaviours of concern
• Improve communication
• Support independence
• Enhance quality of life

Who benefits from Behaviour Support for dementia?
Support benefits:

• The individual
• Family members
• Carers and support workers

---