As you go through your live-in care career you will eventually be placed with a client who suffers from Dementia. Unfortunately, people with this condition are becoming more frequent and you may have a placement sooner rather than later with a client who suffers from this.
Because this is a cognitive condition it means that the client may at some point react in an aggressive fashion. Depression is another condition which can lead to aggression.
Before you try to work with the issue of aggression you should first try to identify the root cause. Once you have found out what is causing the aggression it will be easier to handle it.
There are several things that you can do to help with aggression, although if you at any time feel that you are losing control and are in danger yourself, you must talk to either your agency or a family member at once.
So, what can you do?
Find a non-threatening environment
People who show aggression due to Dementia are often frustrated at their own feelings of inability. They perceive that they are worthless, and these feelings can lead to panic and aggression. Even in their own home they may feel threatened so you should try to find the one room or area where they are most comfortable. If your client seems calm sitting in the conservatory, then let them stay there. Does it really matter that they have a meal there instead of elsewhere?
Try an alternative
Often a person with Dementia may feel threatened when faced with a bath. In this instance it is importance that you have a ‘Plan B’ and instead of forcing the issue of a bath, you may opt for a strip wash instead. If your client is less aggressive you can try a bath the next day.
Never say ‘no’
It is important to remember that even a person with Dementia wants to feel valued. They may also have their own opinion. Sometimes they may make difficult or even impossible requests. Saying no at this point is a sure-fire way to bring out aggression. Distraction is the key here now. By changing the entire picture (such as offering to make a cup of tea, going for a walk) you will subtly be able to pour oil on the troubled waters and calm your client down.
Get some exercise
Exercise is a good way to relieve stress. It is also a good method of calming someone down and keeping your client mentally alert. If your client enjoys being outdoors, then encourage walks. Even a short walk in the garden will go a long way to keep things calm. A point to keep in mind here is that if you walk outside, choose an area which is safe and secure, where they can walk without fear of slipping or bumping into things.
Don’t take it personally
Hard as it seems, you should try to remember that aggression may not be directed at you. It is far more common than you realise and as your career progresses you may see it in several clients. It is not your fault. Your client is simply feeling scared or frustrated. You may find that food is refused. Wait until your client calms down and offer it later.
Something to remember if medication is refused is that you should talk to the doctor. He will very likely advise you to disguise tablets in puddings or crush them and add to meals. This is not something you should decide for yourself. The doctor must be the person to advise this and note it in your client’s medical records.
Don’t rule out UTI
Urinary tract infection often makes people aggressive, so if your client does not suffer from Dementia, this is a good place to start looking for causes. Talk to the doctor or district nurse. They will ask you to obtain a urine sample and if UTI is present they will prescribe antibiotics.
To sum up
While you may never be able to completely rule out aggression in your client, with a little planning you may be able to reduce aggressive incidents and keep your client calm. You should remember that as the condition progresses your client will become less aggressive and calmer.
It is important that if you are ever in danger from this that you talk to your agency or family. You should never find yourself in a situation where you are in fear of being injured.
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