Seniors who are characteristically pleasant may suddenly lash out. Aggression that occurs out of the blue may indicate an underlying issue, such as physical pain or anxiety, among many other causes. Caregivers must understand the reason behind sudden anger in order to calm the senior.

What is aggressive behavior?

Aggressive actions take numerous forms. Seniors who show aggression may suddenly shout insults, swear, or even kick a caregiver. They may push a person or objects and throw items. Aggressive actions can be verbal or physical, express hostility, and come across as threatening.

Seniors who become aggressive respond with a level of severity inappropriate for the situation. For example, they break a dinner plate if it isn’t washed properly. Or they become unreasonably aggressive toward a pharmacist who fills their prescription with generic rather than brand-name medication.

Warning signs of aggression that caregivers should watch out for include glaring eyes and clenched fists. Older adults who are about to lash out may pace or show signs of restlessness. Sudden mood swings occur, and they may raise their voice.

What causes sudden aggression in seniors?

Caregivers must first understand that fits of anger are not always deliberate. The senior may be triggered by an external or internal cause. By recognizing the triggers, caregivers can return a sense of calm to an aging care recipient who has spun out of control.

1. Cognitive Decline

An onset of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia can leave seniors feeling confused and frustrated. No longer being able to recall important information or forgetting the names of loved ones are distressing experiences. As a way to express their distress, dementia patients may lash out.

In addition to Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease causes changes to the aging brain. When the cognitive health of older adults is adversely affected, their behaviors, personalities, and emotions also undergo change. Angry outbursts are common when cognitive decline sets in.

2. Pain or Discomfort

Physical pain is known to cause irritability, frustration, and overall distress. Pain can be mild, such as hunger, or severe, such as a stomach ache. An older adult who is unable to verbally communicate their pain may respond to caregivers with sudden aggression.

3. Loss of Independence

Seniors value their independence highly. Age-related decline can lead to a loss of independence and make it difficult for seniors to button their shirts or cook a meal. When they gradually lose their ability to handle everyday tasks on their own, it triggers frustration and anger.

4. Hunger Pangs

Hunger is a form of physical pain and can manifest in seniors as sudden anger. Dementia patients especially may exhibit aggression later in the day due to feeling hungry before dinner. Their blood sugar levels may drop in the hours after lunch, which makes them cranky.

5. Medication Side Effects

Many older adults are prescribed multiple medications, with some taking up to five drugs daily. Some of these medications come with unwanted side effects. Certain drugs, like benzodiazepines, anti-depressants, and anti-epileptic medications, cause a higher risk for aggression or irritability.

6. Loss and Depression

Older adults who have lost loved ones may spiral into loneliness, social isolation, and depression. These seniors are not as socially integrated into their communities as they should be. Feeling hopeless or sad for prolonged periods can escalate to emotional outbursts.

7. Environmental Triggers

Especially for seniors diagnosed with dementia, loud noises can be triggering. Or their room may be too dark and they are unable to determine their location. Seniors without dementia can also act out aggressively due to other environmental factors, such as feeling overwhelmed or rushed.

In general, seniors may behave with sudden aggression when their physical, social, or psychological needs go unmet. Or they may attempt to fulfill a need, and a caregiver prevents them from doing so (i.e., a senior taking off a shirt because it’s hot and the caregiver asks them to stop).

How should caregivers respond to sudden aggression?

Caregivers who observe sudden anger in their elderly care recipients should stay calm. It’s vital to respond with patience to de-escalate the situation. Try to identify the trigger and understand the underlying cause of the senior’s behavior; this may be done by asking simple questions.

Fulfill the senior’s needs in order to curb their anger. For example, if the individual is hungry or thirsty, offer them a snack or a beverage. Ensuring the older adult is fed, well-rested, and physically comfortable can prevent, reduce, or stop their aggression.

Help the senior stay socially connected and feel valued. Companion caregivers and social media are invaluable sources of social connection. Caregivers keep the elderly stimulated with games and outings to relieve their boredom and give them an opportunity to pursue activities they enjoy.

Senior Home Care and Dementia Care from Assisting Hands

Seniors who exhibit sudden aggression may need medical intervention, whether medication to stop pain or counseling to ease fears. Plus, the professional caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care are experienced in managing elder aggression and can bring relief to your loved one.

We offer compassionate senior home care, whereby the senior’s daily care needs are met. Caregivers shop for fresh groceries and prepare balanced meals to ensure the elderly consume enough nutrients and hydration. We give timely medication reminders and remove clutter and other fall hazards.

If your aging loved one needs to visit the doctor to adjust medications or address pain that might be causing aggression, we provide reliable transportation and escort. Caregivers provide assistance with daily hygiene tasks, like dressing, toileting, and bathing, as well as address incontinence issues.

Our professionals are ideal companions who form meaningful bonds and prevent the elderly from becoming lonely and depressed. We stimulate them socially with games, puzzles, conversations, and outings. Dementia caregivers deter wandering and agitation with supervision and distraction techniques, respectively.

Dementia care from Assisting Hands Home Care is the compassionate solution to a senior’s sudden aggression. Our licensed, bonded, and insured memory caregivers serve Batavia, Illinois, and the nearby areas. Schedule a free in-home consult today to learn how we can support your aging loved one.