Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics Resources

May 2021

For people living with dementia, supportive care that matches their preferences, habits and needs usually works best to decrease or stop negative personal expressions or behaviours. Antipsychotic medications are often prescribed but can cause significant side effects – confusion, dizziness, stroke or even death.

We’ve developed a series of resources to inform everyone involved in dementia care about more effective ways to address negative personal expressions and behaviours. There is a resource for people living with dementia, their families and care partners, another for health care leaders and one tailored to medication prescribers.

The resources can be applied to both long-term care homes and care in the community. They are based on Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics – a person-centred approach to care that focuses on understanding the causes of behaviours and underlying issues that people with dementia experience. And to respond to their unmet needs based on their personal history.

Access the resources: Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics