Aggression & Combativeness in Dementia & Alzheimer Care
Seniors with advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s disease may experience episodes of aggression or combativeness. In fact, some seniors in assisted living facilities with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease may strike, hit, or punch. When caring for seniors with aggression and combative behaviors it is important to identify and mitigate causal factors. For instance, residents with advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s disease may have difficulty communicating pain and react with aggression when experiencing discomfort. Likewise, seniors with advanced dementia may become overstimulated or disoriented by their environment leading to combative behavior. At Wild Rose Care Home we understand that identification and mitigation of causal factors is the first step to successful memory care in senior living communities. To learn more about our approach to dementia care call owner Mary Garcia R.N. at (707) 695-2937.
Pain
Residents with Alzheimer’s disease have reduced cognitive function and may express pain or physical discomfort through aggression. When assisted living residents act aggressively towards caregivers the possibility of pain or physical discomfort should be investigated. A medical check-up may be warranted or an increase in PRN (as required) medications should be administered since the resident with dementia may not be able to communicate their need for the medication.
Disorientation & Overstimulation
Disorientation and over-stimulation may lead to aggressive behaviors in residents with Alzheimer’s disease. In areas with excessive external stimuli (large activity rooms, loud noises) the resident with advanced dementia may become aggravated and react with combative behaviors. Likewise, unfamiliar environments may aggravate aggressive tendencies, especially during periods of the day where the resident experiences reduced comprehension. For instance, many residents function better during the morning than in the evening.
Other Factors
Lack of sleep can also lead to combative behaviors in residents with Alzheimer’s disease. Night-shift caregivers should be attentive to interrupted sleep patterns to document the possible link between inadequate sleep and combativeness. Aggression in residents with dementia can also be reduced by calming music during the day. Caregiver intervention during meal times to help residents eat and cue social interaction can calm residents during meals and increase the amount of food consumed.
Our Senior Living Facilities
Your loved one can receive the personal care they deserve at Wild Rose Care Home and Wild Rose Care Home at Quail Run. Our senior living facilities can help your loved one improve their quality of life by identifying and mitigating dementia behaviors. To learn more about our senior living communities call (707) 695-2937 for a free tour and consultation.