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Understanding why aggression occurs is usually not enough to prevent it. The following ideas may prove helpful as you interact with cognitively impaired individuals.
- Try to avoid direct confrontation. Many times, waiting a few minutes before pressing on for some aspect of personal care such as bathing or dressing will allow a cooling-off period and aggression will be prevented.
- Keep explanations as simple as possible. Cognitively impaired individuals may have problems with lengthy, complex conversations. This can increase the potential for aggression.
- Try to recognize when behavior is escalating to aggression. Many times, aggressive incidents are preceded by agitated behavior. Be alert to these signs so that you can alter your approach.
- The better you know the individual likes and dislikes of the person, the less likely aggressive behavior will develop.
- Anger or fear may be at the root of aggressive behavior. When possible, allow the individual to verbally express anger and use calming techniques when the person is fearful. Sometimes touch can be a useful calming technique, but be watchful that the individual is able to recognize you before you touch.
- When an individual is being physically aggressive protect yourself by staying out of harms' way. When it is safe to leave he person alone, do so.
- If the individual becomes aggressive while you are giving personal care, it can be useful to give them something to hold while you assist them.
Perhaps what is most important is realizing that not all aggressive behavior can be prevented. Caregivers can easily consider themselves failures when it does occur. It is much easier to write about possible preventive measures than to always use them in the day-to-day care of a cognitively impaired person! Aggression may happen and you have to be ready to move on. It may be especially helpful to talk about it with someone who has also had the experience of caring for an impaired person. Sometimes, talking about it can help in identifying alternative approaches and simply sharing your feelings with another can be very helpful.
In the Northern Virginia Chapter Service Area, for more information about Managing Aggression, please contact the Chapter's telephone Helpline at 703-359-4440 or 800-207-8679. Outside Northern Virginia, please contact your local Chapter.
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Last updated: March 1, 1999
Please return to https://www.alz-nova.org or
call 800-207-8679 or 703-359-4440
for more information about services in Northern Virginia.
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