Wednesday, 9 August 2017

Top 5 tips to handle an elderly patient's aggression effectively

With the growing age, there are a number of diseases that become prevalent. Those diseases might find their cure medically, but along with them, there might come situations where an elderly person turns out to be aggressive. Handling an old-age person who is not able to gain control over his aggression might turn out to be a difficult task for the caretaker. There is one thing that you should never forget that there exists your loved one behind the aggression.

Aggression can be verbal or physical. Verbal aggression includes swearing, screaming, shouting, and making threats whereas, physical aggression includes hitting, pinching, scratching, hair-pulling, biting or hurting their own self or others.

You can always get in touch with Golden Years In-Home Senior Care for the best Home care services in Sacramento.



Here are a few tips that can help you take better care of your loved one.

1.Understand the trigger that causes aggression
Aggression might flare up without a warning and sometimes without any cause. But most of the times, there is always a reason that leads to such reflexes. Analyze what happened right before the person got aggressive. Was it due to some discomfort like lack of sleep or some pain or because of a change in the environment surrounding them like loud noises or too much activity? Some elderly people become aggressive when asked too many questions simultaneously. Figure out what complexes the situation and try not building up those scenarios again.

2.Make them believe that you are not putting them in danger
Let them feel safe around you. If they suffer aggressive breakdowns, calm yourself down first. Do not argue with them or fight with them. Simply work towards making them believe that they are safe around you. One simple trick to calm them down is to remove the word 'NO' from your vocabulary. Make them feel like everything is happening just the way they want.



3.Stop reasoning with them when they get confused
There might arise situations when they forget the time or place where they are. Such situations make them highly uneasy and thus aggressive. Present them with simple explanations assisted with photos or other real-life reminders that can help them recollect what is going on around them. Stop reasoning with them because that acts as a trigger and could make things grow progressively worse.

4.Prioritize reassurance and emotional connection over rational explanations
The elderly person suffering from a disease is in heavy need of being loved and being heard. Sometimes they throw aggressive impulses at you to gather attention. Try focusing on acknowledging their concern and helping them feel better. It is believed that even people with poor memories maintain a lasting impression of an emotional experience. Giving them a tight hug or singing them a song they loved might be really effective. Try all the emotional tactics to fight their aggression.

5.Keep a list of their favourite things to do ready
Whenever they undergo an aggressive outburst, have their favourite 'to-do-list' handy. The only objective is to divert their mind. Simple things like taking them for a walk, listening to music, having their favourite snack etc. can become effective diversions to their aggression. They might start feeling better instantly while they get involved in things they love doing.

In certain cases where the elderly person is too difficult to manage, you might look out into hiring a professional help. Get in touch with Golden Years In-Home Senior Care for the best home care services in Sacramento.

Visit the website at http://www.goldenyearsinhome.com/. 

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