Caring for a loved one with dementia can be complex and emotionally challenging, especially when behavioural changes begin to affect their safety, independence, and relationships. For NDIS participants and families, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) offers a structured and compassionate approach to managing behaviours of concern in ways that improve wellbeing and reduce the need for restrictive practices.
This article will explore what Positive Behaviour Support looks like for people with dementia, how it differs from traditional psychology, and what families can expect from working with an NDIS behaviour support provider.
What is Positive Behaviour Support?
Positive Behaviour Support is an evidence-based, person-centred approach used to address behaviours that may be harmful or disruptive. Rather than focusing on simply stopping a behaviour, PBS looks at why it’s happening—often as a response to discomfort, unmet needs, confusion, or environmental triggers.
Under the NDIS, Positive Behaviour Support is a specialist service. It involves assessing the individual’s needs, environment, and triggers, then developing a customised behaviour support plan that supports more positive outcomes. This approach is especially valuable for those living with dementia, as it helps carers respond in a way that is respectful, calm, and effective.
Why Does Dementia Lead to Behavioural Changes?
Dementia is a progressive neurological condition that affects memory, thinking, and communication. As it progresses, individuals may struggle to understand what’s happening around them or express their needs clearly. This can lead to behaviours such as:
- Aggression or verbal outbursts
- Wandering or attempting to leave the house
- Repeating the same questions
- Resistance to care or personal hygiene
- Withdrawal from others
- Sleep disruption or confusion
These behaviours are not “bad” or deliberate—they are often the person’s way of expressing fear, pain, or confusion. Positive Behaviour Support helps identify these root causes and supports families and carers to respond safely and effectively.
How is Positive Behaviour Support Different from Psychology?
It’s common to wonder whether PBS is the same as psychological therapy. Both are NDIS therapeutic supports, but they serve different functions.
Positive Behaviour Support is specifically focused on behaviour—what it looks like, why it happens, and how to reduce it using supportive strategies. It is delivered by Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioners who are trained in behaviour assessment, environmental adjustment, and behaviour plan development.
In contrast, psychology explores emotional well-being, mental health, and coping strategies. A psychologist might work with someone experiencing anxiety or grief, while a behaviour support practitioner would develop a plan to address issues like wandering or aggression.
The two supports can work together. For someone with dementia, behaviour support might manage day-to-day behaviours, while psychology can offer emotional support for adjustment or depression.
What’s Included in a Behaviour Support Plan for Dementia?
An individualised behaviour support plan is developed after a thorough assessment by a registered behaviour support provider. This may include input from the participant, family members, carers, and other health professionals.
The plan typically includes:
- Functional Behaviour Assessment: Analysing what triggers the behaviour and what the person may be trying to communicate.
- Preventative Strategies: Proactive steps like changing the routine, adjusting communication methods, or improving the environment to reduce confusion or distress.
- Reactive Strategies: Respectful and safe responses when behaviours do occur.
- Skill Development: Supporting the person to retain as much independence as possible.
- Environmental Changes: Reducing noise, simplifying spaces, and increasing comfort.
- Support for Carers: Practical guidance for support workers, family members, and staff.
These plans are dynamic documents—they evolve as the individual’s needs change and are reviewed regularly.
Are Restrictive Practices Used?
In some dementia cases, behaviours such as aggression or unsafe wandering may pose serious risks. However, the NDIS Behaviour Support Framework strictly regulates the use of restrictive practices, such as locked doors, restraints, or seclusion.
Under NDIS rules, these practices must only be used as a last resort, must be clearly documented in the behaviour support plan, and must be reported to the NDIS Commission. The goal is always to reduce and eliminate restrictive practices by improving support strategies and environments.
You can read more about this on the NDIS Commission website.
The Role of NDIS Support Coordination
Accessing Positive Behaviour Support through the NDIS can involve navigating complex systems and paperwork. That’s where NDIS support coordination comes in. A Support Coordinator helps:
- Connect participants with qualified behaviour support practitioners
- Navigate NDIS plan reviews and funding approvals
- Ensure all supports are working together effectively
- Help families understand and implement support plans
This coordination is key to ensuring consistent care and reducing gaps or miscommunication between services.
The Benefits of Positive Behaviour Support for Dementia
When done well, Positive Behaviour Support provides enormous benefits—not just for the individual with dementia, but for everyone around them. These include:
- Reducing distress and frustration
- Improving daily routines and safety
- Avoiding unnecessary medication or hospitalisation
- Supporting independence and participation
- Enhancing quality of life
- Reducing carer stress and burnout
- Strengthening relationships between the participant and their support network
Rather than reacting to behaviours, PBS helps prevent them, creating a more peaceful and dignified experience for all involved.
How Liberty Behavioural Services Can Help
At Liberty Behavioural Services, we’re passionate about providing specialist NDIS support services that are person-centred and respectful. Our team works closely with NDIS participants and families to develop customised, compliant, and compassionate behaviour support plans.
We understand the unique needs of people living with dementia and take the time to get to know each individual, their goals, and their support network. We also work alongside other providers, including psychologists and support coordinators, to ensure holistic, integrated care.
Whether you’re new to the NDIS or looking to review your current supports, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Dementia-related behaviours can be complex and distressing—but with the right support, they don’t have to be overwhelming. Positive Behaviour Support under the NDIS gives families the tools, strategies, and guidance to care with compassion, prevent crises, and improve wellbeing for everyone involved.
If you’re supporting someone with dementia and need advice or a tailored behaviour support plan, get in touch with Liberty Behavioural Services today.
