Aggressive behaviors, both verbal and physical, are common in seniors with dementia. These behavioral changes can occur instantly, for no reason at all. As a family caregiver, you need to calm your frustrated loved one without making the situation worse. Here are some of the ways you can calm an aging parent with dementia.
1. Look for the Emotions
Instead of focusing on the words your parent is saying, look for the feelings behind those words. If your parent is upset, try to ease his or her mind. As the condition progresses, it becomes difficult for many seniors with dementia to communicate clearly. If you look into the emotions your loved one is displaying, you can develop an effective strategy to calm him or her down.
Professional caregivers with specialized experience in dementia care understand how to recognize and respond to emotion-driven behavior in seniors with dementia. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated elder care, Edmonton, AB, families can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.
2. Play Music
Music therapy is a great way to calm the nerves of seniors with dementia. The music acts as a sedative to relax the mind and body. As the soothing tunes play, key areas of the brain send out stress-reducing signals that alleviate anxiety. Once the music has reduced the agitation your loved one was experiencing, encourage him or her to dance and move to the rhythm of the beat. Listening to music and dancing are therapeutic activities that can boost mood almost instantly.
3. Light Candles
The aroma in the home can calm a senior with dementia and decrease agitation. The scents of the candles can alleviate stress and reduce anxiety. As a result, your loved one may feel peaceful and positive instead of confused, sad, and angry. You can also use aromatherapy to get your loved one to go to bed at night instead of becoming restless and physically violent.
Easing stress and anxiety is an essential part of caring for an aging adult with dementia. Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Edmonton families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life.
4. Shift the Focus
Take your loved one’s mind off whatever you’re currently doing and try something different. For instance, if your loved one is watching a television show and becomes irritated, change the channel immediately or turn the television off. Suggest going for a walk around the home, coloring in an adult coloring book, or reading a favorite poem.
5. Offer a Calming Touch
You can reassure your parent with a simple touch of the hand or a soft back rub. You’re letting your loved one know that everything will be okay and that you’re there to protect him or her. A gentle touch may ease your loved one’s fears, allowing him or her to continue with the day.
6. Use a Positive Tone of Voice
Warm tones and clear communication can be key factors in preventing seniors with dementia from being confused, agitated, and violent. Avoid talking in an argumentative or condescending voice. When you use a positive tone, you can erase feelings of doubt and anger your parent may be experiencing. In addition to a calm voice, smiling and using other positive facial expressions can be a great way to handle difficult behaviors.
Using these methods can help family caregivers reassure and calm loved ones who have dementia. Caring for a senior loved one can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Edmonton Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. To learn more about our reliable, compassionate in-home care services, contact us at (780) 490-7337 today.