The cognitive decline associated with dementia can cause aggressive behavior in seniors. While this behavior can be challenging for family caregivers to manage, there are some ways to help reduce it. The staff at Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of at-home care Waterloo families trust, has some tips designed to alleviate your elderly loved one’s aggression.
1. Determine the Underlying Cause
Figuring out what causes the aggressive behavior can help you determine an effective way to manage it. Potential causes of your loved one’s aggression include his or her living situation, lack of contact with others, medical conditions, and depression or other psychological complications. With the help of a physician to rule out medical or psychological problems, you can determine the underlying cause and discuss appropriate management.
2. Encourage Social Interaction
When a senior has dementia, boredom and a lack of regular socialization can result in aggressive behavior. Social interaction, whether it’s chatting one on one with a friend or caregiver or attending a social function, can help prevent boredom. It can also lower the risk of depression and other psychological problems that can cause aggression.
3. Adjust the Environment
Seniors with dementia can become aggressive due to the environment they’re in. Being in a noisy environment, a room that’s too bright, or a space that’s too cold or hot can bring out this behavior. Making simple changes, such as adjusting the thermostat, dimming the lights, or keeping noise levels low can make the environment more comfortable for your loved one, which helps prevent frustration that can result in aggression.
4. Seek Support for Yourself
If managing your loved one’s aggression becomes too difficult, seek help from others. Whether the help is from your loved one’s doctor, a support group, or friends, or whether you need a break from caregiving and hire Waterloo respite care, a little help can go a long way. Handling your loved one’s aggression can take an emotional and physical toll, but getting support from other people can ease this burden. The more comfortable and relaxed you are, the better chance you have of providing effective care for your loved one and making sure he or she feels the same way.
Proper planning after a dementia diagnosis can help ensure greater comfort and a higher quality of life for your loved one. At Home Care Assistance, all of our caregivers are trained in the Cognitive Therapeutics Method, an activities-based program designed to help seniors with dementia better manage the condition. For more information on dementia care Waterloo seniors can rely on, call one of our experienced Care Managers at (519) 954-2111 to schedule a complimentary consultation.