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

UCLA Health

12 Feb 201804:44

Summary

TLDRThe 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.

Outlines

00:00

👵 Aggressive Behavior in Elderly Care

This paragraph discusses the challenges faced by a caregiver when dealing with an elderly person exhibiting aggressive behavior. The elderly individual, presumably suffering from dementia, becomes mean and aggressive during morning care routines, such as getting ready for the day or taking medication. The caregiver is at risk of quitting due to the daily struggle. The script suggests that aggression in elderly people may stem from pain, fear, frustration, depression, or anger, and that it's not personal. It advises to deescalate the situation by staying calm, identifying oneself, speaking to the underlying emotions, using distraction, encouragement, and reassurance, and being flexible with care routines.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡caregiver

A caregiver is an individual who provides support and assistance to those who need help with daily activities due to age, illness, or disability. In the video's context, the caregiver is hired to help the mother with her morning routine. The term is central to the video's theme as it highlights the challenges faced by caregivers when dealing with aggression from their care recipients.

💡aggressive

Aggressive behavior refers to actions or words that are intended to threaten or attack. In the video, the mother's behavior towards the caregiver is described as aggressive, including yelling and attempting to slap the caregiver. This keyword is crucial as it sets the stage for the video's exploration of how to handle such situations.

💡dementia

Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms that include a decline in cognitive abilities such as memory, problem-solving, and communication skills. The video suggests that the mother's aggression might be linked to dementia, as individuals with dementia may become frustrated and aggressive due to their inability to understand or communicate their needs.

💡deescalate

Deescalate means to reduce the intensity or severity of a situation. The video emphasizes the importance of deescalating the situation when faced with aggression, such as by remaining calm and not reacting with anger or shock. This keyword is central to the video's message on managing aggression.

💡frustration

Frustration is a feeling of dissatisfaction or annoyance, often caused by unmet expectations or blocked goals. In the video, it is suggested that the mother's aggression may stem from frustration, as she does not understand what is being asked of her or why she needs to get out of bed. This keyword helps to illustrate the emotional state that can lead to aggressive behavior.

💡redirect

Redirecting is a technique used to guide someone's attention or behavior towards a different, more positive or manageable activity. The video script includes an example of redirecting when the caregiver offers to bring breakfast to the mother in bed while making the bed, thus addressing the mother's immediate needs while also accomplishing the caregiver's goal.

💡reassurance

Reassurance involves providing comfort and confidence to someone who is anxious or upset. The video suggests using reassurance as a strategy to respond to aggression, by letting the loved one know that the caregiver is there for support. This keyword is important as it highlights the need for empathy and understanding in managing challenging behaviors.

💡calming tone

A calming tone refers to the use of a soothing and gentle manner of speaking that can help to reduce tension or stress. The video advises using a calming tone of voice when dealing with aggression, as it can help to deescalate the situation and create a more peaceful environment.

💡body language

Body language consists of the non-verbal cues and signals that individuals use to communicate. The video mentions the importance of maintaining positive body language when interacting with someone who is being aggressive, as it can convey a sense of safety and approachability.

💡gentle touch

Gentle touch refers to the use of soft, non-threatening physical contact to provide comfort or reassurance. The video suggests that a gentle touch can be a calming gesture when used appropriately, as it can help to establish trust and reduce tension.

💡physical aggression

Physical aggression is the use of physical force or violence to harm or intimidate others. The video script includes a scenario where the mother attempts to slap the caregiver, which is an example of physical aggression. The keyword is important as it signals a level of behavior that may require additional safety measures or intervention.

Highlights

The caregiver faces daily challenges with the mother becoming mean and aggressive during morning care.

The mother's aggression may be an expression of pain, fear, frustration, depression, or anger.

People with dementia may not understand what is being asked of them, leading to frustration.

Aggression is usually not personal, even though it may feel that way.

Reacting to aggression with anger or yelling can escalate the situation.

Deescalating the situation involves behaving calmly and identifying oneself.

Speaking to the emotions that underlie aggression can help, such as fear or frustration.

Using distraction, encouragement, reassurance, and flexibility can assist in managing uncooperative behavior.

The caregiver adapts by allowing the mother to eat breakfast in bed while making the bed.

Tips for responding to aggressive language and behavior are provided.

Keep communication simple, with one instruction or question at a time.

Avoid escalating tensions by using a calming tone of voice without being condescending.

Provide reassurance and let the loved one know you are there for support.

Maintain positive body language and use calming gestures and gentle touch.

Give ample time and space for cooling off when redirecting behavior.

If behavior is threatening, remove or lock away weapons and call 911 if necessary.

The caregiver demonstrates patience and adaptability in dealing with the mother's resistance.