Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with multiple stages, and each stage has its own unique challenges. While every senior with Alzheimer’s exhibits slightly different symptoms, most go through a combative stage in which they’re constantly hostile. While the aggressiveness might seem overwhelming, there are a few steps family caregivers can take to handle the unwanted behavior in a safe and healthy manner.

Some Symptoms Are Out of Your Control

With a solid treatment plan, you can minimize many of the most difficult symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. That being said, you need to realize some symptoms are going to be completely out of your control. When those symptoms are triggered, you must try to deescalate the situation as best you can. There are many different tactics for handling combative behavior, and you’ll need to do some experimenting to determine which strategies are going to work for you. 

Combative Behavior Is Often Triggered by Pain or Discomfort

Your senior loved one is naturally going to be in a bad mood every once in a while, but if your parent seems to be particularly hostile, it may be because he or she is in pain. In the final stages of Alzheimer’s disease, it’s very difficult for seniors to communicate about something that’s bothering them, which can make them very frustrated. 

If your loved one seems to be angry for no reason, try to figure out if he or she is hungry or needs to use the restroom. You can also check for any signs of injury, such as bruising, swelling, or blood on his or her clothing.

The cognitive challenges that accompany Alzheimer’s often leave aging adults unable to manage everyday tasks, which puts their safety and health at risk. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of homecare. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. 

Unusual Stimuli Can Trigger Aggressiveness

For many seniors with Alzheimer’s, certain stimuli can be very difficult to process. In the coming years, you might notice your loved one becomes agitated when he or she is around moving shadows, loud televisions, or mirrors. By removing some of those stimuli, you should be able to reduce the severity and frequency of the outbursts. 

If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, medication reminders, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of senior care San Diego families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Some Medications Could Help Your Loved One

While preventative measures are usually the best option for combative behavior, medication could help as well. If your loved one is being overly aggressive, you need to speak with his or her doctor about the options for medication. Some prescriptions might help your loved one relax in a matter of minutes, which could be incredibly useful if you’re out in public or the outburst is particularly severe. 

Be Ready to Ask for Help

Combative behavior is one of the most difficult symptoms to manage, and you must accept the fact that you’re going to need assistance at some point. When that behavior becomes unmanageable, consider home care service. Getting some help from a team of professionals can lower your stress levels and enhance your loved one’s quality of life. 

Symptoms such as agitation, confusion, anger, and frustration are common in elderly people with Alzheimer’s. The days, weeks, and months following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be challenging for both seniors and their families. However, these challenges can be made less stressful with the help of caregivers trained in professional Alzheimer’s care. San Diego Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one enjoy the golden years while simultaneously managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today to schedule a free in-home consultation.