If you are caregiving for a spouse or parent with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, you know all too well the varied and complex behaviors associated with the disease, and one of the most difficult is the change in moods – the night and day difference from that sweet, kind person into a bitter, fussy bully. The emotional pain those outbursts cause can be devastating, particularly for a caregiver who has been so dedicated and selfless in providing care for the senior.
Trying not to take these troubling behaviors personally, as hard as that may be, and to remember that the person is usually reacting out of fear or frustration, is very important. These pointers can help soothe an angry situation and restore peace:
- Stay calm. Your loved one may pick up on your heightened agitation and become more agitated in turn – and likewise, is more apt to calm down himself if you keep your cool. Minimizing distractions and trying to shift the person’s attention to a favorite activity can help.
- Provide comfort. Although a first instinct may be to argue, instead try a comforting, quiet, and slow tone of voice. Take a moment to figure out if pain, anxiety or simple overstimulation may be the reason for the agitation, and then deal with those issues.
- Keep track of what initiated the troublesome behavior. Learning from the experience can help avoid, or at least minimize, a similar one in the future. Keep a notebook of what occurred, when it occurred, and what worked (or didn’t work). If you work with a professional home care agency, like the La Grange senior care providers at Independence-4-Seniors, make sure your loved one’s caregiver is aware of any behavior triggers as well.
It is also vitally important for caregivers to take time out for themselves to refresh and recharge, especially after troubling encounters with their senior loved one. Independence-4-Seniors is available to provide patient, compassionate, experienced Alzheimer’s and dementia care, offering valuable respite care for families. Contact our staff to learn more about our in-home care services in La Grange, Hinsdale, and throughout the Chicago area.