It is my pleasure to host this guest post about managing aggression in loved ones who have Alzheimer's or dementia. This is a difficult and painful subject, but one that many caregivers have to manage regularly and often with little support. Here is some excellent advice to begin the process of understanding and managing challenging behavior in your loved one with Alzheimer's.
One of the hardest tasks a caregiver faces when caring for
a loved one is coping when faced with outbursts of aggression. Luckily, there
are plenty of ways you can manage your loved one’s emotions in a way that
empowers you in your role. Today we’ll be looking at a range of strategies
caregivers can use to cope with aggression in Alzheimer’s patients.
Being a caregiver is a mentally, physically, and the emotionally-demanding
role that comes with a high level of responsibility. If you feel like you could
benefit from extra help, consider letting a professional trained in
Alzheimer’s step in and assist.
Understanding
Alzheimer’s Aggression
As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, your loved one may become
agitated or aggressive and unable to settle. This restlessness or worry may cause
them to lash out verbally and physically.
Recognize
Triggers
Aggression sometimes arises without a trigger, but for
most Alzheimer's patients, there will be a regular pattern you can learn to
identify. When you recognize the patient's trigger, you can potentially shut
down anger before it arises. Some triggers include:
·
Side effects from medication
·
Depression
·
Pain
·
Change in routine
·
Change in bowel movements
·
Memory loss
·
Challenging task (everyday tasks such as getting dressed
may becoem challenging)
·
Confusion
·
Loneliness
Schedule A
Physical Exam
If a trigger isn’t obvious, but your loved one has a
change in appetite or a fever consider scheduling an appointment with their
doctor. Many times aggressive behavior can be a sign of discomfort. A
toothache, ingrown toenail, arthitis, urinary tract infection, and constipation
are just a few of the medical conditions that may be triggering their
agitation.
Remain Calm
It is a challenge to keep a positive frame of mind when
faced with a loved one’s
aggression. As best as you can, try to maintain a calm and
positive demeanor. This will have a flow-on effect with your loved one, who will
respond better to positive resting facial expressions.
When you feel overwhelmed, take a few moments to breathe
deeply and focus, then step back into the environment with a healthy frame of
mind. If you feel burnt
out from caregiver stress, a common condition affecting those in
emotionally-demanding roles, then consider seeking help from a professional.
It is best practice to remove yourself from any physically
aggressive situations, and always prevent your loved one from doing themselves
harm.
Solicit Support
You’d be surprised just how much up-to-date
information or even a support group or online forum can assist you mentally
when it comes to coping with a loved one’s Alzheimer’s aggression. These
patients have real issues and simply aren’t as in control of their faculties as
the patients themselves would like to be. The more knowledge and support you
have the more likely you are to view your loved one’s responses objectively but
also with empathy, and this outlook means you won’t get emotionally overloaded
when issues arise.
Additional Tips
for Coping
- Provide reassurance and listen to their
concerns.
- Maintain a routine.
- Keep their favorite books, photographs, etc.
nearby to provide a sense of security.
- Limit junk food and caffeine.
- Build in periods of quiet time as well as
activities.
- Distract them with a favorite activity or
snack when they become agitated.
Consider Additional
Assistance
Being a caregiver is a mentally, physically, and the emotionally-demanding
role that comes with a high level of responsibility. If you feel like you could
benefit from an extra set of
caring hands, consider letting a professional step in and assist.
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