Your aging loved one’s increased anger may have you feeling perplexed. At times, it may seem as though you can’t do anything to keep your loved one happy, and you may even feel like giving up. While other people will tell you this is just the dementia talking, it still doesn’t help you address the problem. The first thing you need to do during an angry outburst is remind yourself that it isn’t your fault. It’s a result of dementia. Then consider these possible reasons your loved one is angry so you can start trying to boost his or her mood.
Consider When Your Loved One Last Ate
Seniors with dementia may get cranky if they’re hungry. If your loved one has gone for a few hours between meals, offer a snack. Being dehydrated could also cause your loved one to experience a bad mood, and he or she may just need a drink of water to feel better again.
Symptoms such as agitation, confusion, anger, and frustration are common in elderly people with dementia. Dementia can be challenging for seniors, but they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional dementia care. Montgomery seniors can benefit greatly from the Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program designed to promote cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. CTM is included at no additional charge with any of the in-home care plans provided by Home Care Assistance.
Look for Other Physical Causes
You may need to do some detective work to figure out what’s physically bothering your loved one. Try asking your loved one if something hurts and if he or she can point to the source of the pain. It’s possible your loved one has a stomachache or another type of issue that’s driving the behavior. Even a waistband that’s too tight could cause your loved one to be irritated.
See if Your Loved One Is Overstimulated
Sometimes, too much stimulation can cause seniors to lose their tempers. For instance, your loved one may be overwhelmed by having the television on while also listening to you vacuum. Try switching off a few appliances in the room and move your loved one to a quieter activity to see if that stops the problem.
The cognitive challenges that accompany dementia often leave aging adults unable to manage everyday tasks, which puts their safety and health at risk. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elderly home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Take a Break from a Frustrating Task
Your loved one may remember how many things he or she used to be able to do before developing dementia. Seniors with dementia may get angry when they can’t do tasks such as tying their shoes or buttoning up a shirt. Observe your loved one during tasks that are frustrating, and look for solutions. For instance, he or she may be able to cook after you pre-chop the ingredients. Your loved one may also benefit from shoes without laces or a pullover shirt.
Ask for Help with a Simple Job
The increased anger may be your loved one’s way of getting your attention. If you suspect this is the case, ask him or her to help you with something simple around the house. For instance, your loved one can help you wipe down the table, sweep the floor, or fold towels. Doing simple tasks can provide a sense of accomplishment, and you’ll be able to give your loved one the attention he or she craves as you work together.
Caring for a loved one with dementia is a challenging task for anyone. The responsibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming, but help is available. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Montgomery elder care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (334) 593-3988.