Inform the Authorities of Your Loved One’s Dementia

January 26, 2017 by RICK PHELPS

Written BY RICK PHELPS

In the event of an emergency, they will need this information.

Aggressive behavior, physical and mental abuse, hurting themselves or others — we hear of these stories all the time on here.

As a caregiver, what do you do? What can you do? Everyone who deals with these behaviors wants an answer.

The thing is, you can rarely do anything that will “fix” these behaviors. To make matters worse, these behaviors can, and usually, do get worse.

Many times caregivers and family members think they can take their loved ones to the doctor, who will do something that will somehow stop these outbursts.

The problem is, the only real way you can get a patient who is violent, abusive and aggressive to stop these actions is to medically subdue them.

In most instances, the only way to help is to medicate them so they cannot act out violently. No one wants their loved one to be drugged into a zombie-like state, but something has to be done. You can’t just hope this gets better. Some people think they can simply place their loved ones in a long-term care facility when they can no longer handle them.

They quickly learn that these facilities will not put up with this type of behavior either. They cannot have a resident attacking other patients or their staff. If this does happen, the first time they will try to redirect the patient or do what they can (including medication changes) to prevent them from being abusive and acting out.

The second time around, they will demand the patient is discharged. There is no cut-and-dry solution to patients being aggressive. This is something that is not uncommon, but the patient cannot be blamed. In almost every situation, they don’t have any idea what they are doing. However, that doesn’t make this go away. When a patient first becomes violent in any way, it has to be dealt with.

You have to do something, because it will progress. In other words, if it starts out as verbal abuse, that can often turn into physical abuse.

First and foremost, make sure there are no firearms or weapons in the house of any kind. Even kitchen knives can be used as a weapon. Put them somewhere out of reach, where they can’t be found, or in cabinet or drawer that can be secured.

Second, never assume these events are a one-time thing. Just be aware that you can never predict what a patient will do. Never. They are scared and confused, and they have a brain disease.

I have days when I am very agitated, but I have never been verbally or physically abusive. That could change at any time. Your dear loved one who wouldn’t hurt a fly could become outraged over the littlest thing or a frightening delusion.

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