It's never easy to care for aging family members suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Sometimes, no matter what you do to help, it seems to be wrong. Alzheimer's patients may attack you verbally or physically.
Caregivers often work selflessly caring for family members, without receiving any appreciation. It's no wonder they occasionally feel discouraged and wonder why they're not appreciated. Even worse than that, they may even feel that they are placing themselves in harm's way.Some caregivers and family members may feel that they are even placing themselves in harm's way.
Dementia and Alzheimer's disease are estimated to affect more than four million Americans. Most of them are over the age of sixty five. Although there has been a great deal of research done, there is currently no cure. Slowing the progression of Alzheimer's is the best that current medications can do.
It is often the dementia or Alzheimer's that causes the elderly person to behave in a manner quite different than how they behaved before they became ill. There are a few things that can account for this.
The disease causes the afflicted person to be frightened. They don't understand why they are having so many difficulties. They can no longer express themselves clearly. When they try to fix something, it just gets worse. Although they may hear clearly, they are unable to understand a good deal of what they hear. Most Alzheimer's patients lose the ability to read and perform simple mathematical functions. It's no wonder that they become frightened.
Many patients focus on themselves only as a matter of survival. They often become selfish and self-serving, no matter how generous or selfless they were in their younger years. Although you might consider this to be very wrong, try to remember that it is also a sign that the person is struggling to survive.
There are two ways that dementia and Alzheimer's patients will respond when they become frightened. They will either get very quiet and become distant, or they will become aggressive and lash out. There is no better target for their anger than the caregiver who loves them if they choose to lash out.
So what is a caregiver to do when they feel like they have been attacked? What if the person seems to be lose their ability to control their actions? Here are a couple of things you can do:First of all, remember not to take anything personal. Always keep in mind that you a dealing with someone who is sick. Remain calm, so that you will be able to handle the situation properly. You will be able to think more clearly if you are calm. You can help to prevent the situation from escalating by remaining calm. It never pays to try to "win" the argument. Instead, diffuse the situation by distracting the person. A few minutes later the problem may not exist.Gently moving the person away from the situation that has upset them is sometimes the best answer.
Always remember, it's not them, it's the disease. Frustration, confusion, anger and outbursts are a result of the dementia or Alzheimer's. Maintaining perspective will help you to stay in control and cope with the situation.
You need to call for help immediately if you feel that you are in danger. Perhaps a family member or a friend can offer assistance. It may be necessary for you to call professional help immediately by dialing 911. Intervening in life-threatening situations is what they do, and they may be the best people to provide help.
Caregivers often work selflessly caring for family members, without receiving any appreciation. It's no wonder they occasionally feel discouraged and wonder why they're not appreciated. Even worse than that, they may even feel that they are placing themselves in harm's way.Some caregivers and family members may feel that they are even placing themselves in harm's way.
Dementia and Alzheimer's disease are estimated to affect more than four million Americans. Most of them are over the age of sixty five. Although there has been a great deal of research done, there is currently no cure. Slowing the progression of Alzheimer's is the best that current medications can do.
It is often the dementia or Alzheimer's that causes the elderly person to behave in a manner quite different than how they behaved before they became ill. There are a few things that can account for this.
The disease causes the afflicted person to be frightened. They don't understand why they are having so many difficulties. They can no longer express themselves clearly. When they try to fix something, it just gets worse. Although they may hear clearly, they are unable to understand a good deal of what they hear. Most Alzheimer's patients lose the ability to read and perform simple mathematical functions. It's no wonder that they become frightened.
Many patients focus on themselves only as a matter of survival. They often become selfish and self-serving, no matter how generous or selfless they were in their younger years. Although you might consider this to be very wrong, try to remember that it is also a sign that the person is struggling to survive.
There are two ways that dementia and Alzheimer's patients will respond when they become frightened. They will either get very quiet and become distant, or they will become aggressive and lash out. There is no better target for their anger than the caregiver who loves them if they choose to lash out.
So what is a caregiver to do when they feel like they have been attacked? What if the person seems to be lose their ability to control their actions? Here are a couple of things you can do:First of all, remember not to take anything personal. Always keep in mind that you a dealing with someone who is sick. Remain calm, so that you will be able to handle the situation properly. You will be able to think more clearly if you are calm. You can help to prevent the situation from escalating by remaining calm. It never pays to try to "win" the argument. Instead, diffuse the situation by distracting the person. A few minutes later the problem may not exist.Gently moving the person away from the situation that has upset them is sometimes the best answer.
Always remember, it's not them, it's the disease. Frustration, confusion, anger and outbursts are a result of the dementia or Alzheimer's. Maintaining perspective will help you to stay in control and cope with the situation.
You need to call for help immediately if you feel that you are in danger. Perhaps a family member or a friend can offer assistance. It may be necessary for you to call professional help immediately by dialing 911. Intervening in life-threatening situations is what they do, and they may be the best people to provide help.
About the Author:
Janine Sanderstine has worked with the elderly for many years. She maintains a directory of Assisted Living Facilities in all 50 states and also reports on the Costs of Assisted Living in all 50 states.
1 comments:
Living with an angry person is tough. When caught in such a situation, people often freeze up'. This article addresses some ways to deal with such situations.
Alzheimer Clinic
Post a Comment