Handling anger is one of the biggest challenges when caring for a person who’s suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. While almost everybody shows some form of aggression every now and again, Alzheimer’s and dementia can make anger issues much worse or develop anger issues in people who previously had none. Studies show that anger issues generally worsen the more severe an Alzheimer’s or dementia sufferer’s condition becomes.
Managing anger from dementia sufferers can be difficult. In fact, it often means reacting against your first instincts. That said, sound anger prevention and coping strategies can make Alzheimer’s care much easier for loved ones and caregivers alike.
"Knowing how to detect, defuse, and prevent anger is one of the most important skills for Alzheimer’s care providers,” says Larry Meigs, CEO of Visiting Angels. “It’s one of the skills we value most in our Alzheimer’s caregivers.”
The first step to dealing with anger in Alzheimer’s and dementia sufferers is understanding where their anger stems from. While angry or aggressive behavior can sometimes seem spontaneous in those suffering from mental or memory disorders, a root cause – or multiple causes – can often be determined. Having a better understanding of the triggers and causes of your loved one’s anger will help you prevent aggressive behavior and make it easier to defuse angry situations.
Anger in Alzheimer’s and dementia sufferers can be related to:
The more you are able to understand your loved one’s aggressive triggers, the easier it will become to avoid those triggers and prevent anger outbursts. That said, it isn’t always possible to avoid certain triggers. Because of this, it is important that you know how best to handle outbursts of anger, including both verbal and physical aggression.
Here are some guidelines for managing anger outbursts in Alzheimer’s care recipients:
Take care to remember that sufferers of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other memory disorders should not be punished or chastised for anger or aggressive outbursts. This is one of the most common mistakes made by loved ones and untrained caregivers. Remember: your loved one is suffering from a disorder over which they have no control. What’s more, they are unlikely to understand why they are being punished or reprimanded. In fact, many sufferers forget their outbursts immediately or soon after they happen.
If you find that you need support in handling a loved one’s dementia or Alzheimer’s care, help from an Alzheimer’s care provider can be invaluable. To discuss your options for professional, in-home Alzheimer’s care, call your local Visiting Angels office today.
If you are concerned about sudden changes in your loved one’s behavior or have questions about caring for your loved one, please also contact your loved one’s healthcare provider for information and support.
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