“Even though your parent, spouse, child, or friend may not have total control over her emotions, recognize that as a caregiver you can help prevent aggressive behavior. It’s incredibly important to approach someone with dementia in the right way. Use these tips every time:

1. Approach from the front. Walk toward the person you are going to greet. Do not come up behind her and tap her on the shoulder. Once you are there, meet that person at eye level. For example, if your mother is in a wheelchair, crouch beside her.

2. Speak slowly and loudly enough so that the person can hear you properly. Make eye contact and smile.

3. Use the person’s name and offer your hand, palm up. This will give her a chance to take your hand, instead of being touched or grabbed before she’s ready.

4. Each time you approach, even if you leave for only a few minutes, repeat these same steps. You cannot be sure that a person with dementia remembers or expects you.

This type of calm, progressive approach will work wonders for lowering aggression in those with dementia and increase your chances of working with them in a positive way.”

Read Part 1 of our Approaches to Aggressive Behavior series. It gives some helpful questions to ask when trying to determine the root of aggressive behavior.

Listen to our podcast conversation with Rachael on her Dementia By Day podcast. We discuss many topics including if you should put up mirrors in memory care.

Vivant Senior Living provides exceptional memory care services in vibrant, residential homes for seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia in Central Florida. If you’re interested in memory care for your loved one, contact us or call (407) 543-2028.