Caregiver Training: Aggressive Language/Behavior | UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program

Summary

The video script addresses the challenge of elderly care, focusing on a caregiver's daily struggle with an aggressive dementia patient. It illustrates the caregiver's efforts to assist the patient with daily routines, despite the patient's resistance and hostility. The script then offers practical advice on managing aggression in dementia patients, emphasizing the importance of calm communication, reassurance, and flexibility. It also highlights safety measures, such as removing potential weapons and seeking emergency help when necessary.

Takeaways

• 👵 Aggression in elderly care recipients can be a daily struggle for caregivers.
• 😡 The elderly may become mean or aggressive due to pain, fear, frustration, depression, or anger.
• 🧠 Dementia can cause confusion, leading to aggression when the person does not understand what is being asked of them.
• 🚫 Aggression is usually not personal, even though it can feel that way to the caregiver.
• 🔄 Reacting to aggression with anger or yelling can escalate the situation.
• 🌀 De-escalate by staying calm, identifying yourself, and speaking to the underlying emotions.
• 🍽️ Be flexible and accommodating to the person's needs, like allowing them to eat in bed if it helps.
• 📢 Use simple instructions, a calming tone, and positive body language.
• 🕒 Give ample time and space for the person to cool off if they are upset.
• 🔒 Ensure safety by removing potential weapons and calling emergency services if necessary.
• 📝 It's important to remember that responding to aggression requires patience and understanding.

Q & A

What is the main issue the caregiver is facing with Tina?

The caregiver is facing aggression and resistance from Tina, who becomes mean and tries to slap her away when she tries to help her get ready in the morning.

Why does Tina become aggressive towards the caregiver?

Tina's aggression could be due to pain, fear, frustration, depression, or anger. It's also possible that she does not understand what is being asked of her, especially if she has dementia.

What is the caregiver's role in Tina's daily routine?

The caregiver's role is to help Tina wake up, get ready for the day, and ensure she takes her breakfast and medication.

How does the caregiver attempt to deescalate the situation when Tina is aggressive?

The caregiver tries to deescalate the situation by remaining calm, identifying herself, speaking to the underlying emotions, using distraction, encouragement, reassurance, and being flexible.

What is the caregiver's strategy when Tina refuses to get out of bed?

The caregiver offers to bring breakfast to Tina in bed and suggests eating while she makes the bed, showing flexibility and trying to accommodate Tina's wishes.

Why might Tina not want to get out of bed or take her medication?

Tina might not understand the need for these activities or feel overwhelmed and frustrated, which can be common in individuals with dementia.

What are some tips for responding to aggressive behavior in elderly care?

Tips include keeping instructions simple, using a calming tone, providing reassurance, maintaining positive body language, giving ample time for cooling off, and removing oneself from threatening situations.

How can caregivers ensure their own safety when dealing with aggressive behavior?

Caregivers can ensure their safety by backing away slowly if the behavior is threatening, removing or locking away weapons, and calling emergency services if necessary.

What is the significance of the caregiver introducing herself to Tina?

Introducing herself can help Tina recognize the caregiver and reduce confusion or fear, which can contribute to aggression.

How can caregivers use distraction to manage aggression?

Caregivers can use distraction by shifting the focus to a different activity or topic, which can help divert the person's attention away from the source of their frustration.

What should caregivers do if they are unable to redirect aggressive behavior?

If caregivers cannot redirect aggressive behavior, they should ensure their own safety, remove potential weapons, and call for professional help or emergency services.