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Caring for a senior loved one with dementia presents many challenges, and one of the most difficult is managing aggressive behavior. It’s important to remember this aggression is a symptom of the disease, not a reflection of your loved one’s true feelings. Understanding how to respond can de-escalate difficult situations and ensure everyone’s safety.
Identify the Trigger
Aggression in dementia is rarely random. It’s often a response to a specific trigger. The first step in managing this behavior is to play detective and figure out what might be causing the distress. Common triggers include:
- Physical discomfort – Pain, hunger, thirst, needing to use the restroom, or feeling tired can all lead to frustration and aggression.
- Environmental factors – A noisy, cluttered, or unfamiliar environment can be overstimulating and confusing. Too much activity or too many people can also be overwhelming.
- Communication breakdown – People with dementia may have difficulty expressing their needs or understanding what others are saying. This can lead to feelings of frustration and helplessness.
- Feeling threatened – Seniors with dementia may misinterpret situations, feeling like their personal space is being invaded or they’re being forced to do something they don’t want to do.
Caring for a loved one with dementia is a challenging task for anyone. The responsibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming, but help is available. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Oshkosh senior home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Senior Stride Home Care is here to help.
Stay Calm and Reassuring
Your reaction has a significant impact on the situation. If you respond with anger, fear, or frustration, it could escalate your loved one’s aggressive behavior. Instead, try to remain calm and collected. Speak in a slow, soft, and reassuring tone. Avoid raising your voice or making sudden movements. It may also be helpful to make eye contact and use nonthreatening body language, like keeping your hands visible and maintaining a respectful distance.
Validate and Redirect
Arguing or trying to reason with a person experiencing dementia-related aggression is usually counterproductive. Your loved one’s reality may be different from yours, and trying to correct him or her could increase the agitation. Instead, validate your loved one’s feelings. You can say something like “I can see you’re upset right now,” which shows you acknowledge your loved one’s emotional state.
After validating your loved one’s feelings, gently try to redirect his or her attention to a different activity or topic. You might suggest listening to music, looking at a photo album, or moving to a quieter room. The goal is to shift the focus away from the source of the frustration.
Caring for seniors with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is dementia care Oshkosh families can rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores.
Create a Safe Environment
Safety is the top priority for both you and your loved one. When aggression occurs, ensure the immediate environment is free of potential hazards. Remove any objects that could be used as a weapon, such as sharp utensils, heavy items, or breakable objects. If necessary, calmly and slowly create distance between yourself and your loved one to give him or her space. It’s also wise to have a plan in place for emergencies, including having phone numbers for doctors or emergency services readily available.
The cognitive challenges that accompany dementia often leave aging adults unable to manage everyday tasks, which puts their safety and health at risk. Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for older adults to age in place safely and comfortably, but experts who provide the high-quality live-in care Oshkosh seniors need are available around the clock to help aging adults manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional caregivers from Senior Stride Home Care to enhance his or her quality of life. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your loved one, call us today.