From the perspective of person-directed care, prescribing antipsychotic medication when faced with challenging behaviors, or prescribing too soon, may keep us from learning what the person is trying to tell us.

Antipsychotics only rarely help a person with dementia and only at considerable risk of harm.

There are two questions that must be asked when considering the use of antipsychotic medication:

• Will it help? (What are the benefits?)
• Will it hurt? (What are the risks?).

Many different activities can be used as alternatives to medications. Some options you've explored in this module are Music and Memory, Memory Cafes and the use of dolls, art, and animals.

These activities allow for a higher quality of life, often changing the way that persons with dementia communicate and behave.

Other Topics to Explore

Long-term Services and Supports - The Texas OASIS way

Person-directed Care & Recovery

Dementia: Outside In/Inside Out

Behavior is Communication

Creating Positive Conditions

Assessment and Individualized Care Plans

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