Introduction

Action Ideas That Work

Volunteer Driver Training Program
    Welcome / Introduction
    Who Are We Serving,
    Who Are We
    Challenges for Caregivers in
    Regards to Transportation
    Potential Challenges for
    Volunteer Drivers
     - Listening
     - Communication
     - Sensitivity
     - Preventing Agitation
     - Dealing with Agitation
     - Providing Physical Assistance
     - Boundaries
     - Safety Considerations for
       Volunteer Drivers
     - Emergency Procedures
   Transportation Specifics
   for Leaders
     - Risk Management
     - Insurance for Volunteers
     - Insurance and Liability
       Concerns
    Materials Needed to Teach
    Conclusion

Resource Sheets

Resources / Links

Preventing Agitation

While empathizing with your client fosters good communication, it also can prevent agitation. Remember to use the principles of good communication as discussed earlier A person with dementia or another cognitive impairment may exhibit resistive distracting agitated behaviors.

Some agitation can be reduced by following some tips:

• Have patience—try not to rush. He may not understand what is happening and could become agitated. Be mindful that body language often speaks louder than words and that he will likely respond to your body language.
• Call ahead. When you are going to a new place with your client for the first time, try to call ahead and find out which entrance to use. This way you can avoid getting in and out of the car multiple times.
• Be prepared with activities. Encourage reminiscence. Recognize that repetition can suggest important feelings about certain topics and ask about the feelings behind the memories. Sharing memories can be a rewarding experience for both you and your client. Be prepared with relaxing music, sunglasses, photos or food in case they are needed during the ride.
• Avoid arguing with your client whenever possible. It is often less frustrating to try to go along with what he believes than trying to convince him of what is really happening.
• Stay calm
• Suggest that your client use the bathroom before each trip. Having to use the bathroom during transport can cause agitation—especially if your client cannot express this verbally.
• Give clear step-by-step directions
• The environment of the vehicle can be a cause of agitation, especially if the person whom you are transporting cannot communicate discomfort. Assess the temperature, keep the vehicle clutter-free and try to reduce glare on bright days.
• One cause of increased agitation is referred to as Sundowner’s Syndrome. Sundowner’s may cause a person with dementia to become more anxious or agitated in the evening, as the environment that your client was in during the day may be confusing to him when it becomes dark. Therefore, scheduling trips during the day is one way to avoid some agitation.