How to Cope When a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease Is Agitated

Elderly Care in Centreville VA

When your elderly loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease a whole host of new behaviors can come along with it. One that can be particularly frustrating is agitation, when your loved one might become irritable and aggressive at the slightest provocation.

Get Back to Routine if You’ve Strayed

One very common cause of agitation for your elderly loved one can be straying from her regular routine. If it’s possible, getting your loved one back on track with that routine can help to manage her agitation. This isn’t always possible, of course, especially when your loved one has an appointment with a new doctor or other situations interrupt. When you absolutely have to disrupt your loved one’s routine, get back to normal as quickly as you can.

Be Gentle and Reassuring

When you talk with your loved one, try your best to assume a gentle and reassuring tone, no matter how frustrated you’re feeling. The calmer you can stay, the more likely you’ll be able to help your loved one to get a handle on her own feelings. If you do become agitated, too, that’s going to multiply her agitation. Don’t be afraid to take a few minutes in another room to take a few deep breaths if it helps.

Limit Outside Irritants, if Possible

Other irritants can contribute to your loved one’s feelings of agitation, too. Unusual or loud noises, a cluttered room, or even too many people around can all make your loved one’s agitation worse. In some situations, you may not have the power to be able to change any of these outside irritants, but when you do, take advantage of the opportunity to calm down your loved one’s environment.

Offer a Distraction

For some elderly loved ones, offering something else to focus on can make a big difference. Try offering your loved one some water or a snack. Play her favorite song or turn on a favorite television program. This is much easier to do if you’ve been able to remove the original irritant and it can give your loved one some space in which to calm down.

Talk to your loved one’s doctor if you’re having a difficult time managing her agitation. Also, your loved one’s elderly care providers are another source of assistance.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Centreville, VA, call the caring staff at Medical Professionals On Call today. 703-273-8818

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Michelle DeFilippis

I graduated with a BS degree and had been selling medical equipment to hospitals, clinics and technicians. More recently, a family member was diagnosed with dementia and we, as a family, realized we were not prepared t care for her. We were thrown into that whirlpool of hospital stays, 24/7 live-in care, skilled care, caring for mom ourselves and finally, now daily home care. This was such a stressful time that I started thinking there had to be other people, other families as overwhelmed and unprepared as we were.

Medical Professionals On Call has such a caring, professional staff who are available to step in with whatever level of care necessary for loved ones and to relieve you of that stress.

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