Many live-in carers will find themselves in a placement with a client who suffers from Dementia. Simply because there are so many older people who have this disease, it is only a matter of time before you are placed here.

In the USA records show that more than 50% or people aged 85 suffer from Dementia, with the UK percentages not far behind. Certainly, most people know of someone who has this debilitating condition.

Dementia is a cognitive disease which often makes the sufferer lash out in aggression, although depression can also contribute to this.

Before we can treat aggression, it is a good idea to try to identify the underlying cause. If your client suffers from Dementia you will have been told before you accept the placement, but issues such as depression or even UTI (which may also cause aggression) often go unnoticed.

There are some things that we can do to pour oil on troubled waters, particularly when our clients become aggressive.

Non-threatening environment

Your client may seem to be more comfortable and content sitting in the conservatory and looking at the garden, rather than in the sitting room looking at the road. If you notice a ‘happy place’ then why not encourage them to stay there?

Never say ‘no’

Refusing your client something by saying no may be a cause for aggression. Even a person with Dementia sometimes has flashes of memory and being refused something that they want while in their own home can be the start of aggressive behaviour.

Redirection

If your client insists on doing something that you know is not a good idea (and saying no will aggravate things) then you may try to distract them.

Offer something completely different, go for a walk in the garden, watch an old film, make a cup of tea. Anything you can do to distract them will mean a chance of things calming down.

Have a ‘plan B’

If bathing often turns into aggressive matches, then consider a strip wash instead. You can always try a bath in another day or so when things seem to be calmer.

If your client insists on feeding themselves and simply cannot handle fork or spoon then opt for finger food. Small pieces of attractive-looking foods will let your client know that they still have a semblance of control over their lives.

Don’t keep it to yourself

If your client is aggressive towards you, you must report it. You should let your agency know as well as talking to family or next-of-kin.

Never think that aggressive behaviour should be kept secret because you may end up being hurt. Never think that aggression is normal.

Don’t take it personally

This is possibly the hardest thing, and if you talk to your support team, you will more than likely be told this. While it is solid advice, it is still hard to not take aggressive behaviour personally.

It is personal, against you, but you should also remember that you are not the root cause. You are simply a way for your client to vent their anger or frustration on.

While this is not the right thing for anyone to do, you should remember that you are not the reason behind the aggression.

Involve the GP

If things get out of control you should speak to the GP. Any client who appears aggressive with no reason, and no Dementia may have a UTI. This will cause them to become irritated or aggressive towards you. It is easily treated, and things can soon return to normal.

In conclusion

Never keep aggression and aggressive behaviour to yourself. To do so may mean that you are injured and cannot work. Make sure that you talk to the right people about any aggression and take as many steps as you can to keep your client calm, while still staying safe.

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