Your loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia can seem to lash out at random. They’re probably now approaching their breaking point as a result of pent-up aggravation from routine duties. It’s crucial to lessen their stress and overload in order to lessen these “dementia rage” flare-ups.
The article provides 5 suggestions to assist you in coping with dementia anger.
Accept Their Limitations
Requiring your loved ones with dementia to perform tasks that they have been finding difficult should be avoided. They aren’t putting off tasks out of laziness or a failure to recall. They are losing the knowledge and skills necessary to do those formerly simple jobs as a result of cognitive decline. Accepting their current situation and making use of their current abilities.
Reduce Complex Decisions
It’s not necessary for your loved ones to make decisions about every aspect of their day, but there are certain choices they might still wish to make. The objective is to make selections easier rather than to restrict their freedom of choice because having too many alternatives can be overwhelming and confusing. Give them a choice between two shirts, such as the red shirt or the blue shirt, when it is time to change.
By doing so, kids may still be involved in the process without having to look for and choose every other piece of clothes they require. For lunch, why not give them the option between split pea soup or a ham sandwich, both of which you are aware they like? A specific inquiry like “What do you want for lunch?” is harder to answer.
Slow Down
As our brains are fully functioning and capable of processing information and thoughts swiftly, we are accustomed to operating at a “normal” speed. These cognitive functions drastically slow down in dementia patients. Because of this, giving your loved ones extra time when thinking, speaking, or acting is essential. Don’t push them through daily life to relieve tension and make them feel accomplished. Even if it looks like they are moving very slowly, release the strain and let them to go at their own speed.
Keep the Environment Calm and Quiet
Being in a busy, noisy atmosphere can be overwhelming to the senses and impair thinking, especially in those with dementia. Have you ever observed that in order to think, we all want peace and quiet? For instance, you would automatically turn the radio down when going to a new place so that you could focus. When they need to study difficult new ideas, the majority of students seek out peaceful locations like libraries. Daily chores have grown challenging for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia and demand more attention and focus. It’s normal for children to feel annoyed and agitated when there’s a lot of noise or people around.
Treat Them with Respect
Everyone wants to be respected, regardless of their age or level of ability. Dementia in your loved ones is no different. There are various ways to make things simpler while still demonstrating respect, even if they have difficulty making decisions or performing daily activities. Offering straightforward options, like the red or blue clothing stated above, is an excellent approach to do this. By doing this, you avoid giving them directives and expecting them to comply. You are assisting your loved ones in making decisions that are appropriate for their present situation.
