A combination of age and illness often becomes the reason for a change in personality and you may find that your client frequently becomes irritated, demanding, and hard to please.
Unfortunately, because you are with them for most of the time, you may find yourself the target of this aggression and unpleasantness.
Find the root
Try to find the reason for your client’s behavior change. Often Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of dementia can be the cause of a change. Simply growing older can lead to aggression and even resentment in some people.
Remember that with dementia your client may not remember all the words they want to use in a conversation, and this can make them frustrated.
Don’t take it personally
This may be one of the most ridiculous statements you hear because it can and does often become personal. Being in the front line, you are the person who all verbal attacks are directed at. However, it is important to remember that often a client is angry and frustrated at things that are happening to them, you are simply there when they feel they want to vent.
You may notice that an angry client reserves their worst behavior for their family members and while it may be embarrassing to see it happen, you can be glad that others are on the receiving end, instead of you!
What can you do about this?
Hard as it may seem, you should try to stay positive. Try to get some time to yourself every day, go for a walk, call a friend, read a book – away from your client. This will give you a chance to calm yourself down and rest.
If this bad behavior only happens when you re with your client, you should approach family so that they know what is happening. Don’t try to face anger and tempers on your own.
Family may recommend a different approach or even offer to spend a little more time with their loved one.
Another option is to enlist the help of a day care center where your client not only meets other people but can enjoy doing things outside the home. This will go a long way to tiring your client out and hopefully relieving some anger and frustration.
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