There can be a number of causes for growing aggression in the elderly, but the number one reason is dementia, also known as Alzheimer’s disease. Aggressive behavior can be physical or verbal and may occur suddenly without any cause or could be a result of growing frustration. In this blog post, we will provide some useful tips on how to handle aggression in the elderly.
Identify cause or Trigger
Try to ponder over what happened right before the outburst of aggressive behavior occurred. Perhaps factors such as pain, frustration, or fear might have triggered it. Once you have identified the cause, you will be in a better position to calm your loved one down. Make sure you don’t make them feel attacked, or else they might lash out again. Try to stay calm by either staying quiet or by explaining the situation to them.
Use Reassurance and a Gentle Tone
When you see an elderly person getting angry or aggressive, take a deep breath and stay calm. If you show any kind of negative emotions by getting angry or upset, you will agitate them more and create a tense situation. Taking deep breaths and staying calm usually helps. Provide comfort by reassuring them and use a gentle tone while conversing.
Shift Focus
If the outburst of aggression was caused by the current situation, try to change it by shifting their focus to a different activity. For example, you can take them outside for a stroll or divert their mind by playing their favorite music. Do something they typically enjoy to relax their mind and make them forget about what caused the aggression.
Validate Their Feelings
Don’t simply dismiss what they have to say even if there is not an obvious cause to their actions. They could be frustrated, upset, lonely, or sad, but they may not know how to express themselves properly. Speak in a calm and comforting way while reassuring them and validating their feelings. That way, they know that they are valued and cared for.
Go to a Different Room
Sometimes no matter what you do, your loved one may still get angry and not calm down. In a situation like that, it may be best to leave the room and step away from the scene for a while to give them some space. You will also need some time to put yourself together and calm down. Before you leave, make sure that they are safe and not in any type of danger.
Have Realistic Expectations
You should already know that the elderly can often become angry or aggressive even without any possible cause. This is something normal and should be handled with care. It could also be due to any underlying medical conditions, such as dementia, heavy medications, pain, etc.
Conclusion
Aggressive outbursts can be difficult to deal with, even for caregivers sometimes. The elderly can even curse, scream, grab, hit, or throw things. But arguing back or fighting over it will not help you or your loved ones to solve the problem. These simple tips can help you deal with the situation in a much gentler way.
For more details and information regarding home health services or services for the aged, please contact us here.