Dementia is a medical condition diagnosed in millions of old citizens worldwide, which brings along with it hundreds of cognitive issues/emotional problems, among other behavioral ones. Specialized care services among the elderly people afflicted with this condition of dementia came into consideration. At Aayushka Assisted Living, we provide adequate care while remaining specialized by subsidizing aggression in them and issues like this which are primarily behavior-related in elderly people afflicted with dementia
Understanding Aggression and Behavioral Issues in Dementia
Aggression and behavioral problems are common among elderly patients suffering from dementia. These behaviors can stem from confusion, fear, or even physical discomfort, such as pain or the inability to effectively communicate their needs. As cognitive functions decline, these patients may become emotionally charged or struggle to understand their surroundings, leading to frustration, anxiety, and anger, which often manifest as aggression or other destructive behavior. It’s important to approach such situations with patience and understanding in Dementia elderly care to help manage these challenges effectively. The senior citizen homes in Chennai, specialized dementia care focuses on managing these challenges with patience and understanding
The most common behavioral problems that are identified with dementia include the following:
- Physical aggression: This is characterized by hitting, kicking, pushing, or any other violent behavior.
- Verbal aggression: They may yell, swear, or utter threatening statements.
- Agitation and restlessness: They pace, fidget, or can’t sit.
- Paranoia or delusions: They may believe that other people have stolen something from them or are trying to harm them.
- Sleep disturbances: Waking during the night time and suffering with irritability and confusion.
At Aayushka, we treat challenges with compassion and an understanding level. We believe that if we can do our best to treat the root causes of aggression and disruptive behaviors, we can help our residents regain some degree of control, comfort, and dignity.
Aayushka Method to Treat Aggression and Behavioral Problems
Individualized Care Plans
The approach for every dementia patient is very unique, focusing on their particular needs, preferences, and situation. At Aayushka, we always prepare a person-centered care plan for each individual resident, where the focus isn’t only on their physical well-being but also on their emotional and behavioral. The care plan will be formulated based on identifying specific triggers that may cause aggressive and disruptive behavior and reviewed on a regular basis to ensure the effectiveness of these plans. knowing what triggers aggression-whether it’s physical discomfort, environmental issues, or emotional triggers-we can change the care strategies. Our caregivers work with the family to get as much information as possible about the person’s history, preferences, and specific concerns they may have related to behavior.
Calm and Reassuring Environment
A disorderly or overly stimulating environment only worsens aggression and agitation in persons with dementia. The residential areas we have created in Aayushka are to be peaceful, relaxing, and sensory-friendly. Dim lighting, little noise, and familiar items all combined create a peaceful environment in our Aayushka homes. We also make sure the surroundings are safe and easy to access, thus reducing opportunities of getting lost and prone to accidents. Aayushka caregivers are well trained to stay calm and composed when communicating with elderly individuals. Their calm and soft-spoken ability decreases the risk of aggression propagation. Such a quiet, respectful manner strongly assists in preventing a large number of behavior outbursts among elders. In old age homes in chennai, such methods help create a harmonious and supporting atmosphere for elder persons
Therapeutic Activities to Distract Them
This is also another effective method to employ in the case of aggression and behavioral problems in patients with dementia. Aayushka provides several therapeutic activities intended to stimulate both the body and the mind. For every resident, these are constructed according to his or her abilities and interests to keep him or her engaged and entertained.
A few examples of these activities are:
- Art and music therapy: Drawing, painting, or listening to soothing music relaxes the mind and can help express emotions.
- Exercise and physical therapy: Mild exercise activities such as brisk walking, stretching exercise, and chair yoga reduce restlessness and frustration brought about by endorphin release and general improvement in well-being.
- Reminiscence therapy: Teach the residents to remember by generating conversation or getting help through photographs for comfort and minimizing feelings of anxiety or aggression.
These activities also diminish aggression and build cognitive ability, as well as emotional strength. As we take care of those activities which create pleasure and fulfillment for them, we assist in giving a meaningful purpose to life.
Medical and Psychological Support
In some cases, medical causes and psychological factors can cause aggression or behavioral issues. Here at Aayushka, we work as a team with a neurologist, psychiatrist, and psychologists. Some interventions might require medication to control symptoms, but we always take the least invasive approach, beginning with non-pharmacological interventions.
Also, our team generally monitors the psychological health of the residents and advises counseling or therapy when needed. This integrated management style keeps the behavioral problems in line with the emotional well-being of the individuals.
Aggression and behavioral problems in dementia are difficult, but with proper assistance, they can be managed successfully. At Aayushka Assisted living, we have individualized, empathetic care. Aayushka provides a caring and secure setting.