As people age, they often experience physical and emotional changes, which can lead to changes in their behaviour that may include frustration, withdrawal from social settings or anger. While managing challenging behaviours can be complex, it is important to remember that good support and treatments options are available to help.

Some of the common reasons that older people with CP experience challenging behaviours include:

• deterioration in vision
• deterioration in hearing ability
• medication side effects
• memory lapses
• early onset dementia

For older adults with CP, quality of life can be significantly impacted as these effects of the ageing process add to the challenges related to their CP, such as communication, eating and drinking, mobility and social participation.

Improving behavioural issues related to ageing can be a challenge for older people with CP. Talking to their GP or other members of their healthcare team about how ageing could affect their behaviour and mental health may be useful.

Being informed will mean they and their family can be prepared for potential challenges, know what to look out for, what treatment and support is available, and to request referral to a healthcare specialist as required.

There are ways to support older adults with CP to improve mental health and behavioural issues, which take time, strength and commitment, but they can be effective.

Some techniques include:

• deep breathing and meditation
• continually working to stay positive
• cognitive behavioural therapy
• counselling
• occupational therapy

Working with mental health and behavioural specialists can help older adults with CP and their families cope with any mental health issues and challenging behaviours that occur through the ageing process. It will also improve their relationships and enhance quality of life.