Alleviating Aggression in Seniors with Dementia

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How to Alleviate Seniors with Dementia-Related Aggression in Tucson, AZ

Seniors with dementia sometimes display aggressive behavior, which can be upsetting for families and other caregivers. While aggression is never easy to handle, there are ways to alleviate this behavior before it becomes too difficult to control.

Identify the Underlying Cause

Aggression in seniors with dementia can occur due to biological, social, or psychological reasons, any of which can be addressed to eliminate the behavior. For example, a senior who is in pain may resort to aggression if unable to communicate clearly with the person providing in-home care in Tucson. Alternatively, hallucinations may lead to aggression caused by fear. Identifying and treating certain health conditions can reduce aggressive outbursts.

Maintain a Stable Routine

When seniors have dementia, they often rely on a routine to help them understand what happens next. For this reason, it is best to try to keep your loved one’s meal, bath, and bed times the same every day. Families providing dementia care in Tucson can also use transitions, such as pointing to a picture, to explain when it is time to move on to a new activity. Planning challenging activities, such as going to a doctor appointment, during your loved one’s best part of the day can also reduce the likelihood of an outburst.

Cultivate a Calm Demeanor

It is normal to want to defend yourself when a person lashes out. However, this only makes the problem worse when aggression is caused by dementia. Seniors with this condition often respond to cues from their caregivers, and a soothing voice can help calm them. However, if the aggression includes physical violence, stepping away into another room may be necessary to defuse the situation.

Encourage Exercise

A daily workout has been shown to alleviate aggression in seniors with dementia. Exercising helps burn off pent up energy, and it releases hormones that generate a sense of calm. Working out with a Tucson part-time caregiver can also provide your loved one with a chance to develop trust, which can help reduce agitation.

Participating in mentally stimulating activities can also help alleviate the symptoms of dementia. At Tucson Home Care Assistance, we offer the revolutionary Cognitive Therapeutics Method, an activities-based program designed to delay the onset of dementia and help those with the condition engage with others in an enjoyable way. For more information on our senior care services, call one of our experienced Care Managers at (520) 276-6555 to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation.

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