Post by alice on Apr 11, 2018 11:04:40 GMT -5
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Monday, March 5
9 Tips for Coping with Agitation and Aggression
As Alzheimer's progresses, people may become more agitated or aggressive. Check out 9 tips for handling it...
Agitation means that a person is restless or worried. He or she doesn't seem to be able to settle down. Agitation may cause pacing, sleeplessness, or aggression, which is when a person lashes out verbally or tries to hit or hurt someone.
Causes of Agitation and Aggression
Most of the time, agitation and aggression happen for a reason. When they happen, try to find the cause. If you deal with the causes, the behavior may stop. For example, the person may have:
Pain, depression, or stress
Too little rest or sleep
Constipation
Soiled underwear or diaper
Sudden change in a well-known place, routine, or person
A feeling of loss—for example, the person may miss the freedom to drive
Too much noise or confusion or too many people in the room
Being pushed by others to do something—for example, to bathe or to remember
events or people—when Alzheimer's has made the activity very hard or impossible
Feeling lonely and not having enough contact with other people
Interaction of medicines
Look for early signs of agitation or aggression. If you see the signs, you can deal with the cause before problem behaviors start. Try not to ignore the problem. Doing nothing can make things worse.
A doctor may be able to help. He or she can give the person a medical exam to find any problems that may cause agitation and aggression. Also, ask the doctor if medicine is needed to prevent or reduce agitation or aggression.
Tips for Coping
Here are some ways you can cope with agitation or aggression:
Reassure the person. Speak calmly. Listen to his or her concerns and frustrations. Try to show that you understand if the person is angry or fearful.
Allow the person to keep as much control in his or her life as possible.
Coping with changes is hard for someone with Alzheimer's. Try to keep a routine, such as bathing, dressing, and eating at the same time each day.
Build quiet times into the day, along with activities.
Keep well-loved objects and photographs around the house to help the person feel more secure.
Try gentle touching, soothing music, reading, or walks.
Reduce noise, clutter, or the number of people in the room.
Try to distract the person with a favorite snack, object, or activity.
Limit the amount of caffeine, sugar, and "junk food" the person drinks and eats.
Here are some things you can do:
Slow down and try to relax if you think your own worries may be affecting the person with Alzheimer's.
Try to find a way to take a break from caregiving.
Safety Concerns
When the person is aggessive, protect yourself and others. If you have to, stay at a safe distance from the person until the behavior stops. Also try to protect the person from hurting himself or herself.
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I would like to say all the suggestions don't always work. I was a care giver of my beloved husband in our home for 8 years. I would ask please be kind to your self for you are doing the best that you can and no one can ask for more..not even your self! Your loved one is blessed because you care where ever that care is given. Circumstances dictate where that care is given. I have always felt parents of children should put your family first..I feel it is what your loved one would want if they were able to tell you. And no guilty feelings please for you are only human doing the best that you can. Caring HUGS, understanding and prayers..please semd me a message if I can help in some way..alice
Monday, March 5
9 Tips for Coping with Agitation and Aggression
As Alzheimer's progresses, people may become more agitated or aggressive. Check out 9 tips for handling it...
Agitation means that a person is restless or worried. He or she doesn't seem to be able to settle down. Agitation may cause pacing, sleeplessness, or aggression, which is when a person lashes out verbally or tries to hit or hurt someone.
Causes of Agitation and Aggression
Most of the time, agitation and aggression happen for a reason. When they happen, try to find the cause. If you deal with the causes, the behavior may stop. For example, the person may have:
Pain, depression, or stress
Too little rest or sleep
Constipation
Soiled underwear or diaper
Sudden change in a well-known place, routine, or person
A feeling of loss—for example, the person may miss the freedom to drive
Too much noise or confusion or too many people in the room
Being pushed by others to do something—for example, to bathe or to remember
events or people—when Alzheimer's has made the activity very hard or impossible
Feeling lonely and not having enough contact with other people
Interaction of medicines
Look for early signs of agitation or aggression. If you see the signs, you can deal with the cause before problem behaviors start. Try not to ignore the problem. Doing nothing can make things worse.
A doctor may be able to help. He or she can give the person a medical exam to find any problems that may cause agitation and aggression. Also, ask the doctor if medicine is needed to prevent or reduce agitation or aggression.
Tips for Coping
Here are some ways you can cope with agitation or aggression:
Reassure the person. Speak calmly. Listen to his or her concerns and frustrations. Try to show that you understand if the person is angry or fearful.
Allow the person to keep as much control in his or her life as possible.
Coping with changes is hard for someone with Alzheimer's. Try to keep a routine, such as bathing, dressing, and eating at the same time each day.
Build quiet times into the day, along with activities.
Keep well-loved objects and photographs around the house to help the person feel more secure.
Try gentle touching, soothing music, reading, or walks.
Reduce noise, clutter, or the number of people in the room.
Try to distract the person with a favorite snack, object, or activity.
Limit the amount of caffeine, sugar, and "junk food" the person drinks and eats.
Here are some things you can do:
Slow down and try to relax if you think your own worries may be affecting the person with Alzheimer's.
Try to find a way to take a break from caregiving.
Safety Concerns
When the person is aggessive, protect yourself and others. If you have to, stay at a safe distance from the person until the behavior stops. Also try to protect the person from hurting himself or herself.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>...................
I would like to say all the suggestions don't always work. I was a care giver of my beloved husband in our home for 8 years. I would ask please be kind to your self for you are doing the best that you can and no one can ask for more..not even your self! Your loved one is blessed because you care where ever that care is given. Circumstances dictate where that care is given. I have always felt parents of children should put your family first..I feel it is what your loved one would want if they were able to tell you. And no guilty feelings please for you are only human doing the best that you can. Caring HUGS, understanding and prayers..please semd me a message if I can help in some way..alice
I am no longer able to hold your hand my beloved but I cherish the remembrance of your hand in mine...and the wonderful person that touched so many lives with joy. : )