When someone with dementia becomes aggressive, it can be hard to care for them.People with dementia may become aggressive due to pain.It's also a way for them to resist things they don't want, maintain their independence, and preserve their routines.It's easier to help aggressive patients with dementia if you address the causes of their aggression, avoid provoking them, and take care of your own needs.
Step 1: You should approach them slowly and be reassured.
The shock could cause them to become aggressive.Tell them who you are and why you're there.Give them time to get used to you.Say hello, Mrs. Taylor.It is your nurse Lacey.I will help you get washed up.Back away from them if they start to get upset.If they are upset, don't walk towards them.
Step 2: When they act aggressively, stay calm.
This will not help, so don't show your frustration or hurt feelings.It will make it worse.To assure them that you aren't a threat, use a soft, quiet tone.Make eye contact, smile, and keep your body language calm by keeping your arms at your side.I'm here to help you, but I apologize for disturbing you Mrs. Taylor.Unless you want me to, I will not come any closer.
Step 3: Stay at a safe distance until they calm down.
They can hit you with an object if you don't get close.This is not safe for you and they could hurt themselves.Unless you must for their safety, don't try to restrain them.Ask for help if you have to restrain them.It would be better to give them time to calm down.Move away from them if they become aggressive after you approach.
Step 4: Don't have a confrontation.
Aggressive behavior can be frustrating since you are trying to help them.Trying to get them to do what you want will not help.They will be more resistant to you in the future.Don't argue with them.Their feelings are more important than the facts of the situation.This is a form of abuse, so don't hold them down.Don't restrain them unless they are going to harm themselves or someone else.
Step 5: If necessary, use a distraction activity.
They can feel more comfortable if you are in the room.It will be easier for you to care for them after they are relaxed.These distraction activities can help you build a better relationship with the person and make them more open to receiving care from you.Drink a cup of tea, watch a favorite TV show, listen to a song, or play a game if you want them to do something with you.
Step 6: If they persist, leave the room.
If they can't see or hear you, move to a safe place.Give them time and space to calm down.Attempt to approach them again.One of the other caregivers should approach the person after they have calmed down.They might be more willing to receive care from that person.
Step 7: Trust is built with the person.
Helping with personal care tasks is very intimate.It is normal for someone to resist having a stranger help them.If they trust you, they will be more likely to accept help.Between taking care of the person, spend time with them.You could eat with them, sing a song, play a game, or share stories.Tell them about yourself.Even if it isn't clear what they're trying to say, listen to it.
Step 8: Tell them what to do.
Give them an overview of the process before you start.Explain what you are about to do before you start.Give them time to anticipate what is about to happen by justify each step.You could say hello to Mr. Sam.It is time for your bath.I will help you into the tub by running some warm water.I will wash you off.I have a warm towel ready to dry you off.
Step 9: They have the right to say no.
They still deserve to keep their modesty even though they have dementia.It is important to remember that they have the right to control what happens to them.They shouldn't be forced to accept care.It is important that they are clean, but you should not violate them.
Step 10: There are ways to resolve their reasons for saying no.
Without violating their right to control what happens to them, this will help you provide necessary care.Change the way you approach personal care tasks to make them feel more comfortable.They will become less resistant to accepting help over time.Consider if they would rather take a bath.Ask if they prefer to be cleaned up by someone else.They should only use their favorite brand of personal care products.The scent might bring back fond memories.Ask them when they want to be washed.
Step 11: Tell the person you care about.
They may act aggressively toward you because they are on your to-do list.It is important to make the person feel appreciated.Show that you care about them, not that it's your job.Say hello, Mr. Sam.It is wonderful to see you today.Don't just visit their room when you're caring for them.Make them feel valued by checking in on them at other times.In small talk, ask how they are doing.Share some of your life with them.
Step 12: It is a good idea to move at a pace that is comfortable for the person.
People react aggressively because they don't like what's happening to them.It is normal for them to get upset if they are uncomfortable.You can talk to the person to find out what they like.They will be less resistant to accepting help from you.They may want to be washed slowly and gently with a soft cloth, or they may prefer a quick scrub to minimize their time in the bath.Do you like this or how can I make you more comfortable during bath time?
Step 13: They should be respected for their modesty.
When providing intimate care, maintain a professional demeanor.Immediately towel them off after a bath or shower if you keep them covered.Don't touch them too much as you clean them.You can keep a light sheet on them for a sponge bath.When helping with a shower or giving a bath in a tub, you might let them wash themselves as much as they can, helping only when needed.
Step 14: They need to make sure they trust the person who is giving them their medication.
If they don't trust you, they are more likely to act aggressive.They may doubt your motives as well as what you are trying to give them, so this is a normal reaction.They are less likely to resist if they know you.Before you give medication, you need to know the person.When you first offer medication, be sure to ask someone you trust to be with you.They could be their favorite nurse or frequent visitor.Ask the person they trust to give their medication if there are multiple caregivers.
Step 15: Tell them what the medication is doing.
They are afraid to take the medication because they forgot what it was for.Explain to them what each pill is for and why they are taking it.You can show them a picture if they don't understand a verbal explanation.You might say, "This little white pill will help your heart stay strong, and this little yellow pill is going to help lower your blood pressure, which gets high."The blue pill can improve your mood.
Step 16: If the person wants, they can swallow each pill individually.
It can be hard to swallow a pill cocktail.Even if you have explained it, the person may still be concerned about what they are taking.Allowing them to swallow each pill on their own may reduce their aggression.Give the pill to them so they can take it.For each pill, do this.
Step 17: If a patient refuses a certain medication, talk to their doctor.
There are unwanted and uncomfortable side effects of some medications.How the person feels can be affected by them.It is possible that the person feels better without the medication.The doctor might try a different treatment if they refuse their medication.The person may not like how they feel on a certain medication if they agree to take it but not others.
Step 18: The person is being aggressive.
The person with dementia has a reason for acting aggressive.They can communicate that something is wrong.They might be feeling violated or out of control.Do you know the root of their aggression?I wondered if I explained what was happening to them.Am I expecting them to do something that they don't like?I don't know if I took away their sense of control.Are they afraid of the environment?Is their perception of the situation changed?Is it possible that they can see that I am offering food?Is it possible for them to do what I'm asking of them?
Step 19: Ask their doctor to rule out the underlying causes.
The person may be reacting to pain.The doctor can determine if this is the cause of aggression.The person may be acting aggressively due to a number of reasons.
Step 20: They should keep a record of their behavior for a week.
There are specific things thattrigger aggression in people with dementia.They may feel like their control is being taken away.Writing down the event surrounding the aggressive reactions can help you figure out what is causing them.The person might get upset when they are not given a choice or asked to try something new.They react aggressively to people who are wearing a certain color at the same time every day.You can look for ways to avoid them once you know their triggers.
Step 21: Determine if they need help.
The person might not be able to communicate what they need.They may be embarrassed to ask for help.If there is an unmet need, consider an activity that is triggering aggressive behavior.To look for a solution, talk to them and observe their behavior.If they refuse food, they might need help cutting it up.They might feel unsafe stepping into the tub if they don't take a bath.They might feel like their sense of personal control is gone if they are resistant to help.
Step 22: Work with the person to create a routine that works for them.
Everyone has routines that they like to follow.People with dementia are no different.Their preferred routines are a reflection of their personality and preferences so they should be respected.Find out when they like to go to bed, eat their meals, and wash up.Ask them about their favorite foods, hobbies and TV shows.Do your best to honor these preferences.
Step 23: A stable environment is created.
They might act aggressively because they are overstimulated.Poor hearing or sight can cause them to perceive things differently.Make sure they are comfortable by maintaining their space.It's time to remove the stuff.There are things that comfort the person.Big changes to the environment are not recommended.Keep the area clean.
Step 24: Provide them with stimulating activities.
People with dementia are not getting any pleasure out of life.It is important that they have activities to look forward to.In a way that is safe and appropriate for them, help them find fulfillment and enjoyment.You can help them get more exercise by taking a walk when they aren't aggressive.They may like to bounce along to their favorite music.Whether it is from friends, family members, or caregivers, make sure they get social interaction.Play a game with them.Give them an outlet for creativity, such as finger painting, drawing, singing, coloring, or writing letters.
Step 25: Help the person learn how to cope with stress.
People with dementia can benefit from behavior-based therapies.Before addressing problematic behavior, you should teach the person healthy coping strategies.There are situations that typically cause the person to react.They should be told to expect a situation to happen and encouraged to use their strategies to deal with it.When it is time for a bath, the person may get stressed.The materials used for a bath could be introduced slowly and you could give them verbal reminders.There are things that make the bath more comfortable, such as a particular staff member, a certain soap, relaxing music, and so on.
Step 26: Their aggression is not directed at you.
It hurts to be the target of an aggressive outburst from someone you love.Their words are not directed at you.This is the only way to show that they are upset with the situation.You can help yourself feel better by focusing on your good times with the person.
Step 27: It's a good idea to create a safe space when you're overwhelmed.
It can be a room in the home or a break room at work.You may retreat into a closet.There is a place where you can regain your composure.If you need to call for help, always keep a phone in your safe space.If you care for someone in a home, you should tell others where your safe space is.Talk to your supervisor and coworkers if you are working in a care facility.When they get overwhelmed, ask them what they do.
Step 28: Make sure that your needs are met.
It is normal for caregivers to be so focused on giving care that they neglect themselves.Good care can only be provided if your needs are met.Make sure that your physical and emotional needs are met.A healthy sleep schedule is important.Eat meals that are balanced.Take time for your hobbies and interests.Keep in touch with other people.Talk to someone you trust.Reducing stress with activities like meditating, exercising, coloring in an adult coloring book, reading, taking a hot bath, using essential oils, playing with your pet, listening to music, or any other calming activity.
Step 29: If you get overwhelmed or upset, don't feel guilty.
It is normal to get angry when you have a breaking point.If you say something rude, forgive yourself.Give yourself a break from the situation.When you tend to your own needs, ask someone else to step in.Either alone or with people who care about you, engage in a fun, relaxing activity.It is normal to get overwhelmed.
Step 30: You can reach out to someone for support.
You need to let others know what's going on in your life, as well as any concerns you might have.Being a caregivers is difficult even in the best of circumstances.Someone who will listen to you.It is good to get out of your feelings when you watch an angry person.It can help you calm down.If you want advice, let the person know.
Step 31: There is a support group for care providers.
A support group is an excellent resource.People who have been in your place can help you learn from their experience.Look for groups that meet in your area by contacting local clinics, talking to fellow caregivers, and asking the person's treating physician.In-person or online, you can join a group.When you can't find a group in your area or in between meetings, visiting online forums can be a great support.
Step 32: Break from caring.
Everyone needs a break, and no one can do it all.Don't assume all the responsibility for caring for someone.Ask your friends to give you a break.If you have to take care of a family member, ask other family members to step in.A part-time nurse can be hired to help.If you work as a home-care nurse, you should take at least one day off each week.Use your days off to relax and clear your mind if you work in a care facility.