When you’re caring for a senior parent that has Alzheimer’s the changes that your mom or dad goes through can be scary and overwhelming. That’s especially the case if your mom or dad develops aggression or their personality changes and they become combative.
Even though you’re an adult, it can be frightening when a parent acts aggressively, yells at you, or goes through personality changes. Alzheimer’s care at home can help. Alzheimer’s care at home gives you a break so that you can take a time out and process your feelings.
Alzheimer’s care at home also means that an experienced care provider who knows how to effectively communicate with seniors that have Alzheimer’s will be there to help and support you. Just knowing you’re not alone can be a huge help.
And a care provider that has experience working with seniors who have Alzheimer’s can help you learn how to act when your mom or dad becomes aggressive or combative. They can suggest tips like this to make it easier for you to communicate with your mom or dad and help them stay calm:
Stay Calm and Avoid Arguing
When your senior parent becomes aggressive, it’s important to stay calm and avoid arguing or raising your voice. Reacting with anger or frustration can escalate the situation.
Take a deep breath, keep your tone gentle, and try to remain patient. Remind yourself that their behavior is a symptom of the disease, not a personal attack. Speak in a soothing voice, and use short, simple sentences to communicate clearly.
Identify and Remove Triggers
Aggression in seniors with Alzheimer’s is often triggered by something specific, such as physical discomfort, hunger, noise, or a confusing environment. Look for signs that your mom or dad might be upset because of a physical issue that they can’t express.
For example, are they in pain? Are they overwhelmed by too much activity or noise? Once you identify the trigger, address it.
For instance, if your mom or dad seems physically uncomfortable, check for tight clothing or an unmet need, like needing to use the bathroom.
Redirect Their Attention
Redirecting your parent’s focus can be an effective way to de-escalate aggression. Offer a distraction, such as a favorite activity, snack, or calming music.
You might say something like, “Let’s sit down and look at this photo album,” or, “Would you like some tea?” Activities they enjoy or find familiar can help shift their mood and redirect their energy toward something positive.
Reassure and Comfort Them
Your mom or dad may be acting aggressive because they are confused or afraid. Imagine how upsetting it would be to suddenly find yourself in an unfamiliar place or not know why you were in a certain room.
Providing reassurance can help calm your senior parent. Use comforting phrases like, “You’re safe,” or, “I’m here to help you.” Maintain eye contact and offer a gentle touch, like holding their hand or giving a light hug, if they’re comfortable with it. Reassuring them that you care and are there for them can help reduce feelings of distress.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Alzheimer’s Care in Lamar, MO, please contact the caring staff at Adelmo Family Care today at (417) 206-4576
Adelmo Family Care provides exceptional home and facility care for seniors, disabled adults, and their families in Joplin, Webb City, Carthage, Duquesne, Neosho, Carl Junction, Lamar, Newton County, MO, Jasper County, MO, Pittsburg, KS, Riverton, KS, Crawford County, KS, Cherokee County, KS, and surrounding areas.
To provide the safest and most qualified caregivers, John felt it was important to properly screen and train caregivers before they were invited into the homes of the families being care for.No caregiver is introduced to a client before being taught the Adelmo Standard.
Adelmo is German for Noble Protector, a name that projects what Adelmo Family Care strives to be. It is our goal to protect our elderly from having to move somewhere they do not want to go, while remaining safe, secure and independent.
Care is our Product and Independence is our Goal.We are there for you when you need to have some help to continue to live independently, at your direction, in your home. We will work with you to get you as fit as possible so you may become completely independent once again, if at all possible.
We provide compassionate care, a watchful eye and a helping hand to our clients and their families.
We can't wait to meet you!
Adelmo Family Care is a member of the Home Care Association of America, The Senior’s Choice, The Webb City Chamber of Commerce, The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and several local senior committees.
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