5 Tips for Dealing with Aggression in Dementia Sufferers
Life becomes challenging when a loved one is diagnosed with this mental condition. People with dementia cannot stay alone hence need proper care from their family members. Most people take their loved ones to care homes while others choose home-based care services.
Taking care of them alone may take a toll on you as the mental condition grows. Apart from financial investment, one must invest time and emotions. It requires a lot of patience to guide your loved ones through their journey. Below is when should someone with dementia go into a care home helpful article.
Tips for Dealing with Aggression in Dementia Patients
Most caregivers are unaware of how to handle such aggressive situations. This article explains the five tips on how to handle aggressive behaviours.
1. Try to Identify the Root Cause for Aggression
Aggression is common in most people with this mental condition. Several factors could irritate your loved ones hence disturbing their comfort. Your loved one may not communicate some of their feelings and hence will react to the situation.
You must be able to observe and take note of these situations to provide the best care. Here are some of the leading causes why your loved one may be aggressive:
• Leaving them with unfamiliar people
• Noise
• Taking them to a new environment
• Hunger
• Having memories
• Dim or bright lights
• Pain
2. Improve their Living Condition
It is crucial to provide your loved ones with what they need to remain at peace. Prepare their room and ensure that it is neither too hot nor cold. Free up more space and only provide essentials and items your loved one cherishes.
You will need to find exciting activities to engage in since they will be spending most of their time indoors. Some activities include knitting, playing piano, and other enjoyable indoor activities.
3. Incorporate the Use of Technology
Dementia could cause your loved ones to become upset and restless, leading to wandering. Sometimes they may be unable to remember their way back home, especially after taking a walk. You can incorporate technology such as GPS tracking devices to help you locate your loved ones if they get lost.
4. Give Them Space and Listen to Them
Providing them with enough space and agreeing to their demands can help reduce aggression levels. However, it is crucial to monitor them closely. It is also best to respect their personal space. It will make them feel respected hence minimizing the aggression levels.
5. Try to Maintain their Social Life
Your loved one still needs to interact with friends and other family members. Please provide them with room to interact with others by allowing them to play, read and even cook together with their friends. When engaging them, ensure you offer full attention and choose an activity they like.
When Should Someone with Dementia go Into a Care Home?
Most people are unaware of the best time to take their loved ones to a care home facility. It is important not to wait until the needs of your loved ones overwhelm you. Reach out to others or seek advice online and begin the transition at a pace that works best for you and your family.
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