If the person has phoned for assistance as they believe that some of their property has been stolen:

• Be mindful that the person may have forgotten that they phoned for assistance. If this is the case and they are happy make apologies and leave.

• If the person maintains their property is missing – ask if you can look around. Be aware that a recent memory can get confused with a past memory causing the person to believe that a theft has taken place.

• If you locate the missing item show it to them and hopefully they will be satisfied.

• If you do not find it (some people with dementia put items somewhere safe and forget where they’ve put them) Emergency Service Personnel may need to contact a family member to inform of the situation and gain their support.

• Follow general advice when dealing with the person.

A person with dementia may see or think something and act immediately without the normal controls that mould our accepted behaviour. E.g. they may feel hot and remove their clothes or see someone who reminds them of a person they dislike and so are rude to them.

• Follow general advice to gain their trust.

• Once trust is gained say, “I’m gasping for a cup of tea, I bet you’d like one too. As soon as you’ve got your clothes back on we can go and find one together.”

• The physical environment may be causing the person to become agitated and aggressive. Follow general good advice to gain their trust and bring them to a calmer state.

• Use the guiding hand technique to move them to a quieter place.

• A person with dementia may see or think something and act immediately without the normal controls that mould our accepted behaviour. E.g. they see someone who reminds them of a person they dislike and so is rude to them or they make racist remarks.

• Follow general advice to gain their trust and bring them to a calmer state.

• Use the guiding hand technique to move them away from the people they are shouting at.

• Once calm distract by offering a drink or a lift home.