4.3 Describe how to support the individual and family/carers to come to terms with personality changes

This guide will help you answer 4.3 Describe how to support the individual and family/carers to come to terms with personality changes.

Personality changes can be distressing for both individuals and those close to them. These changes may be due to medical conditions, trauma, mental health issues, or the effects of medication. Personality changes might involve shifts in behaviour, attitude, or mood. Supporting people through these changes takes patience and understanding.

Responding well involves being clear, being sensitive to feelings, and helping everyone adapt. People need time and space to process these changes. Support workers play a key role in helping individuals and families cope.

What Causes Personality Changes?

Personality changes can appear gradually or suddenly. They might occur as a result of:

• Dementia, especially Alzheimer’s disease
• Brain injury or stroke
• Severe mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder
• Side effects of medication
• Neurological conditions, like Parkinson’s disease
• Prolonged stress

These changes might show as increased aggression, withdrawal, confusion, or unusual behaviours. Some may seem like completely new traits, while others are shifts in existing behaviour.

Impact on Individuals

When someone’s personality changes, they may lose confidence or struggle with identity. Self-esteem can be affected if they are aware of changes but unable to control them. They may feel ashamed, scared, or confused.

Other problems might include:

• Difficulty maintaining relationships
• Changes in social abilities
• Feelings of isolation
• Frustration and anger

Support workers need to show empathy. Listening without judgement helps individuals feel heard. All adults want independence and respect, even when coping with changes.

Supporting the Individual Directly

Support is not “one size fits all”. Each person is different and may need a slightly different approach. Some ways to support the individual include:

• Active listening
• Patience and kindness
• Speaking clearly and simply
• Offering reassurance
• Maintaining familiar routines

Repeating information, when needed, can reduce confusion. Short, calm sentences often help. Choices should be offered where possible, such as what to wear or what to eat. Maintaining dignity is key.

Visual aids, reminders, or lists may help those with memory or communication difficulties. Using familiar objects or routines can provide comfort.

Promoting Self-Worth and Involvement

Changes in personality can lower self-worth. Encouraged involvement in meaningful activities helps maintain a sense of purpose.

Support might take the form of:

• Encouraging hobbies or interests
• Involving the individual in care decisions
• Supporting independence in daily tasks

Praise and positive feedback build confidence. Recognition of small achievements goes a long way. Where possible, ask the individual what helps them feel better, and adapt accordingly.

Supporting Families and Carers

Personality changes can be especially hard on families and carers. They may feel they have “lost” the person they knew. Others might feel guilt, frustration, or anger at behaviours they find difficult to understand.

It is important to:

• Help them express their feelings
• Answer their questions honestly (but sensitively)
• Offer practical advice
• Direct them to support groups or counselling if they wish

Education on the causes of change can help people understand behaviours are not deliberate. Printed materials or useful websites can back up face-to-face conversations.

Open and Sensitive Communication

Communication should always be open, honest, and led by the individual’s needs. This means:

• Not making assumptions about how someone feels
• Avoiding judgemental language
• Using simple language and avoiding jargon
• Checking understanding by asking feedback questions

For example, you might say: “I have noticed you’ve seemed a bit different lately. How are you feeling?” rather than “You’re not yourself any more.” This approach encourages discussion without accusation.

Involving the Individual in Their Own Care

People should have a say in decisions about their care. Sometimes, personality changes can affect decision-making skills, but this does not mean taking over. Instead:

• Give information in manageable chunks
• Offer choices
• Respect their wishes whenever possible
• Use advocates if communication is hard

Making a “This is Me” biography with likes, dislikes, and life history can help everyone understand what matters to the person.

Explaining and Normalising

Families and carers may need simple explanations about what is happening and why. Try to:

• Explain the medical or psychological reasons in clear, everyday words
• Reassure them that others experience similar changes
• Stress that support is available

Normalising feelings and reactions can help reduce guilt, judgement, and frustration. No feeling is “wrong”, even if it is one of anger or grief.

Supporting with Challenging Behaviours

Sometimes, personality changes lead to actions that are hard to deal with, such as aggression or withdrawal.

To support people:

• Remain calm
• Remove triggers or sources of stress
• Have safe exit routes in physical environments
• Use distraction techniques

Write down patterns if certain times or settings make things worse. Share these insights with the team and the family.

Families might find it hard to cope with new, challenging behaviours. Show understanding. Offer practical help with respite care or signpost them to support organisations.

Care Planning and Working with Others

Care plans should reflect personality changes and their impact. Plans should include:

• Current needs and behaviours
• Preferences
• Triggers and calming strategies
• Contacts for family or advocates

Share care plans (with consent) so everyone knows what helps and what to avoid. Work with GPs, social workers, and mental health professionals if extra support is needed.

Involving Support Networks

Encourage families to reach out to community support. These might include:

• Local carer groups
• Online forums
• Counselling services
• Charities such as Alzheimer’s Society or Mind

Peer support offers understanding and reduces feelings of being “alone” in a situation.

Ongoing Support and Follow-Up

Personality changes can progress over time. Make time to check in with individuals and carers about how things are going. Be willing to change care plans if needs shift.

Offer regular feedback and check whether the support makes a difference. Encourage families to speak up about new concerns.

Looking After Yourself as a Worker

Supporting individuals and families through change can be draining. Be aware of your own feelings. Use supervision, team meetings, or employee wellbeing resources when needed. Good self-care helps you continue to offer the best support.

Record Keeping

Good records support continuity of care. Make accurate, factual notes on personality changes, conversations with family, and what works well. Respect privacy and keep confidential records safe and secure.

Cultural Sensitivity

Personality is shaped by culture and upbringing. When supporting people, remember different cultures have different attitudes to illness, mental health, or behaviour. If needed, use interpreters or cultural liaison workers. Ask about customs, values, and beliefs.

Avoiding Stigma

Families might worry about stigma if their loved one’s behaviour is misunderstood. Support workers can help by:

• Explaining conditions in non-blaming terms
• Supporting social inclusion (not isolating the individual)
• Challenging discriminatory language or actions

All individuals deserve respect. Behaviour changes do not change this.

Adapting the Environment

Make sure the living environment meets the individual’s needs. This could mean:

• Reducing noise
• Ensuring familiar objects are visible
• Keeping things tidy and consistent

A familiar, safe environment reduces confusion.

Final Thoughts

Working with individuals who experience personality changes is challenging and rewarding. Patience, respect, and empathy make a real difference. Families and carers are affected too. They need information, reassurance, and practical guidance.

Personality changes are often out of a person’s control. Focusing on the individual’s remaining strengths, showing kindness, and meeting people where they are in their emotional process builds trust and resilience. With the right approach, both people and family carers can cope better and maintain quality of life. Your support and understanding provides an anchor during uncertain times.