6 Ways a Carer Can Deal With Aggression in Elders with Dementia

Caregivers know well that elders with dementia often exhibit aggression. If you are in the role of the carer and see aggression coming out of nowhere from the person in dementia, you need to know that you are not powerless.

There are several proven strategies, which professionals employ in their work with dementia patients. In this guide, we will go over a few of those strategies:  Check for irritants in the environment – sometimes it is physical discomfort that is causing the issue. In many cases it is something you cannot see right away; other times it is immediately obvious. It could be excessive noise or too many people in the area that triggers aggression in dementia elders. Removing the irritant, in this case, is sure to ease their agitation and reduce the occurrence of aggressive outbursts.  Create and stick to a routine – the life of your loved one with dementia will feel a lot more certain if you can create a stick to a routine. After all, we humans rely on our habits, which make us feel secure and safe. With less control over that, it is clear to see how it can be frustrating. That is why it is important to create regular times for meals, doctor’s visits, taking medication, etc. Creating familiarity with all that is what is going to create a feeling of safety for the person with dementia. Any changes to the routine will only cause them distress, so it is also important to stick to the plan, once you create it.

Clear communication – it is very important not to add to the confusion of the person with dementia by communicating poorly.

As a caregiver, you have to communicate in a clear and very calm manner. Use simple direct language. Break down the complicated concepts into simple ones. Do not provide too much information at once, as that can overwhelm the person. Complex requests can fuel their frustration and trigger aggression.  Take care of their physical needs – what appears the issue at first may be a symptom of a deeper problem. For example, they may be experiencing physical discomfort, but not be able to tell you, resulting in aggressive behaviour. Some documented cases show that urinary tract infections often lead to that exact scenario. If the usual strategies for calming the person don’t work, it is a good idea to consult with their medical professional, to rule out any physical problems that are at the root of the problem.  Give them some space – this is an important tip for both the person suffering from dementia and the caregiver. For one, it is a good idea to consider this for the carer’s safety. Another important aspect is that it can prevent further rage on the side of the person with dementia. Taking some time to regroup and returning to the situation later gives you some opportunity to address the problem effectively.  Redirect – sometimes the best strategy is to get the person focused on something else, diverting their attention from the thing that upset them. That way you can redirect them from the negativity that is creating aggression. Offer a walk, ask for their help in a very simple task or just go to the balcony with them. Any change like that will defuse the situation.

Knowing how to handle aggressive behaviour from people with dementia is an important skill for any caregiver. That way they can ensure the best care for the elderly with dementia. 

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