What to Do When Dementia Patients Become Aggressive

Practical Ways to De-escalate Belligerent or Hostile Behavior by Dementia Patients

Due to the disorientation and altered view of reality that Alzheimer’s and dementia tend to create, affected persons may become anxious, aggressive, and paranoid. As the disease progresses and causes further brain damage, people with Alzheimer’s or dementia may become increasingly combative, even physically violent.

Here are a few things you can do if your loved one becomes aggressive:

• Make sure their aggression is not the result of physical pain and, if it is, address the source of their physical pain as soon as possible.
• Avoid mirroring their agitation by raising your voice or using physical force.
• Gently reassure them by speaking in a soothing tone of voice and use calming touch (if appropriate), such as placing a hand on their shoulder or arm.
• Recognize that your loved one’s aggression may be a result of powerful negative emotions that they no longer have the ability to express, such as sadness, loneliness, or frustration.
• Reduce noise in your home or other environment by turning off the TV or loud music or by asking other people to exit the room.
• If you are experiencing a repeated episode of aggression, evaluate the situation to look for potential triggers, such as loud noise, light coming through the window, etc.

(Learn more about how to make your home safe for a love done with Alzheimer’s or dementia.)

In-Home Care for Dementia Patients in Texas

When you call At Home Healthcare for help, we step in and fill the gaps in your loved one’s care. Our mission is to provide gentle, outstandingly compassionate in-home care for dementia patients, and in doing so we give family members and caregivers peace of mind. Connect with a member of our team today to learn how we can help you serve your loved one well and ensure all of their needs are met through quality in-home care in Texas.

Call (877) 959-9093 or request care online today.