Alzheimer’s affects every senior differently, but many experience behavioral problems at some point in the disease’s progression. To reduce the risk of combative behavior or prevent episodes from worsening, your family needs to develop a few key strategies. Below are some facts about the combative stage of Alzheimer’s and steps family caregivers can take to address the issue.
1. Discomfort May Be the Cause
Physical aches and pains could cause your aging loved one to act aggressively. The combativeness could also be due to discomfort with particular family members and friends or a professional caregiver. Sit down with your loved one and determine if his or her needs are being met. If they’re not, you need to make adjustments, whether that’s altering the current treatment plan, modifying the daily schedule and list of activities, or changing caregivers.
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2. It May Happen Suddenly
Seniors with Alzheimer’s typically experience combative behavior in the later stages of the disease, and aggression may occur suddenly. While your loved one may be angry and more aggressive at specific times of day or in response to particular activities, behavioral challenges may happen without warning or for no apparent reason. Be prepared to handle the verbal or physical outbursts by developing methods that can calm your loved one and deescalate the situation.
3. Distractions May Be Helpful
Most verbal and physical outbursts in seniors with Alzheimer’s disease are due to environmental factors. The television could be too loud, or having a large number of guests in the house could be too much for your loved one to handle. Limit the distractions within the home. Refrain from having too many guests over during times when your loved one isn’t at his or her best. An overactive environment, clutter, and large crowds could overstimulate your loved one’s mind.
4. Effective Communication Is Key
As Alzheimer’s progresses, it could become more challenging for your loved one to keep up with conversations. The disease typically makes seniors lose their train of thought quickly or have difficulty finding the right words. Ineffective communication prevents seniors from expressing themselves, so they may lash out to make a point. While the intentions aren’t malicious, the aggression could lead to biting, punching, and kicking. You need to find positive ways for your loved one to communicate, such as with nonverbal methods like hand gestures.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face may be easier to manage if their families opt for professional home care. Northern Kentucky families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.
5. Familiarity Is Essential
Moving your parent to his or her favorite room during a combative episode is often a good strategy. The familiarity of objects, people, and places may reassure seniors and make them feel less agitated or confused. Keep your loved one’s favorite objects nearby as well as a list of his or her favorite songs, hobbies, and foods in case you need to use one of those things as a quick distraction to redirect his or her attention to something positive.
6. Patience Is Critical
Regardless of how upset your parent becomes, you need to stay positive. Responding negatively could cause the situation to escalate and lead to more chaos. If you’re patient, you can think logically and keep your loved one calm. Some ways to remain calm include listening to soothing music and leaving the room for a few minutes until your loved one’s episode has stopped. Walking away may prevent you from saying or doing things you might regret later.
Symptoms such as agitation, confusion, anger, and frustration are common among aging adults with Alzheimer’s. The days, weeks, and months following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be challenging for both seniors and their families. However, these challenges may be made less stressful with the help of caregivers trained in professional Alzheimer’s care. Northern Kentucky Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one enjoy the golden years while simultaneously managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (859)-444-5699.
