Caregivers of those with dementia need a lot of patience – but patience isn’t all that caregivers have in their tool belts. Several other tools can help manage anger, aggression and alleviate intense outbursts.

1. Understand the Disease – People with dementia lash out at caregivers when they are frightened, confused, and/or disoriented. To manage anger and aggression, caregivers have to understand what triggers these episodes. This could take some time to understand, but it is extremely important in reducing stressors for the patient.
2. Calm Life Down, For Everyone – Overstimulation is a trigger for people with dementia. They cannot process information quickly and need more time to respond. Reducing stimulation can reduce intense and violent episodes. Keep the TV or radio down. Minimize the number of visitors. Speak slowly, simply and directly. Be patient and wait for answers to questions.
3. Don’t Over Complicate Tasks – The most simple of tasks are not that simple for people with dementia. For them, making decisions and choices is complicated and confusing. Overwhelming them with decision making can trigger anger and aggression. Instead of asking what they want for dinner, try giving them two choices instead. Make the choice simple.
4. Make Space for Their Emotions – You won’t be able to eliminate every angry, aggressive episode, but you can make room for them to get the anger out. Avoid arguments and ensure there are no safety concerns for them or anyone else. As long as they are safe, allowing time to themselves is fine.
5. Create Structured Routines – Just like children, routines can help reduce stress. Routines eliminate an overwhelming number of choices for people with dementia and decrease confusion, as with routines they know what to expect next. Set appropriate times for dinner, activities, naps, television and exercise. Also consider keeping items in the same spot for easier location and to reduce confusion and stress. For example, keep the toothbrush on the left side of the sink, or set the TV remote on the table. If your loved one can access items more easily, you can keep aggressive episodes under control more often.

Don’t forget that caregivers need to take time out for themselves too. The more you care for yourself, the better you can care for and support those who need your help. You can depend on experienced and qualified home care aides to relieve you for the time to rest and recharge.

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The stressors continue to pile up and more unpaid caregivers are in desperate need of respite care and support. One thing that hasn’t changed during the COVID pandemic is how important self-care is for caregivers. 

“When you are the primary source of care for an elderly relative or a disabled adult or child, you probably feel like you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. “

Five Rules Caregivers Need to Follow to Survive the Pandemic

1. Rely on Convenience – One of the biggest stressors for caregivers is the health of the loved one they provide ongoing care for. With COVID-19 continuing into 2021, remove the stress of taking loved ones out in public by requesting telehealth appointments, getting prescriptions delivered to your home, and arrange grocery deliveries.
2. Set Boundaries – Some people are not adhering to CDC suggestions regarding the pandemic so it is important to set boundaries where caregivers can control them. This might include setting boundaries with family members during the holidays, reminding neighbors not to “drop by” or moving in-home church groups online.
3. Find Support – Options for support may feel like they have dwindled this year. However, there are still safe ways for caregivers to receive support. Respite care is provided by trained individuals who are taking every precaution to prevent exposure and contamination. In-home aides are still a safe option of support for caregivers. They can provide respite care in an emergency, companionship for loved ones, prepare meals safely and assist loved ones with tasks of daily living.

   During the holiday season, direct support from in-home aides can significantly reduce stress to caregivers by taking on some of the responsibilities and freeing up caregivers’ time to take care of other holiday tasks. 

4. Sleep – Sleep is SO important. The amount of sleep caregivers get is going to significantly impact how they feel and how they are able to support those around them. Without proper sleep, caregivers will likely see a decrease in memory and the ability to handle and cope with stressors. 
5. Caregiver Resources – Take advantage of the many caregiver resources available. Caregivers will be exposed more directly to the world of caregiving and benefits for caregivers that they may not be aware of. Online support groups, financial assistance, medical care and much, much more is available to help ease the stress and pressure associated with providing full-time care and support to a loved one. 

• • Caring Across Generations: Tips for Sandwich Generation Caregivers In the Era of COVID-19
    
  • VA Caregiver Support
  • Alzheimer’s Caregiving
  • Caring For The Caregiver
  • Medicaid Self Directed Care
  • Aid And Attendance Benefits

When you are the primary source of care for an elderly relative or a disabled adult or child, you probably feel like you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Ease the burden felt by so many caregivers around the United States by relying on services like in-home support aides to help. 

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