Let’s review what you have learned
- Aggression like shouting, shoving or pushing can happen to carers of people with dementia.
- Aggression can be very upsetting for the person living with dementia as well as the carer.
- Try to change the environment to make it more calming.
- Try to maintain the dignity of the person living with dementia; do not force them to engage in activities that they do not wish to do.
- If one approach does not work, try another one.
- Realize that there may be worse, but also better moments.
- Remind yourself that aggression can be a part of the dementia, or a reaction to the disease.
- If the person is suddenly behaving aggressively, there may be an underlying cause (for example a urinary infection) that should be investigated by a doctor.
- Take a deep breath and think about the most positive ways to respond that will be the least distressing to you and the person you care for.
- If the person you care for continues to show aggression, there are many resources available .You can contact the RAHA National Alzheimer’s Helpline on 40262222; you can also research the internet. For example, look at the website of the Alzheimer Association in your country (www.alz.co.uk/associations).
You finished this lesson, well done!
