As a family caregiver, it can be unsettling when your aging parent has angry outbursts, and you might not know how to react. It’s crucial to understand the reasons behind your loved one’s outbursts so you can address them in a constructive way. Read on to learn some of the most common reasons aging adults sometimes erupt in anger and how you can handle it when your loved ones lashes out.
1. Physical Discomfort
Aging adults may become angry if they’re experiencing physical pain or discomfort. Your parent may be cold, hungry, or having an adverse reaction to a medication. If your loved one suddenly begins to frequently act angry or upset, it’s important to contact his or her physician right away for a checkup. Your loved one may have an underlying health condition, such as a urinary tract infection, which can often cause unusual behavioural symptoms in older adults. Anger can also result from fatigue caused by poor sleep habits or unmanaged pain. In some cases, an outburst may be triggered by vision or hearing issues that result in an inability to do certain physical tasks. You may be able to handle these types of situations by:
- Identifying anything that might be causing physical distress for your loved one
- Helping your parent if he or she is having difficulty with a physical task
- Notifying the physician if you notice a sudden change in behaviour after your loved one begins taking a new medication
- Seeking advice from the doctor to rule out potential issues such as Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to InCasa Home Care Services, a leading provider of homecare families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
2. Emotional Issues
Emotional issues associated with aging can lead to angry outbursts. These issues could include depression, anxiety, and increasing difficulty expressing feelings, which can in turn lead to frustration. Boredom, loneliness, and overstimulation can also trigger angry outbursts. In these cases, try:
- Removing excess noise and visual distractions from your parent’s surroundings
- Scheduling activities during the day to prevent boredom
- Encouraging family and friends to visit your loved one regularly
3. Cognitive Issues or Dementia
Cognitive issues can lead seniors to have angry outbursts. These issues could include memory loss and increased difficulty with processing information. Your parent may become distressed if he or she doesn’t remember a family member’s name or a certain word, and he or she may confuse memories with present-day reality.
Anger can also be a sign of dementia. For example, seniors with Alzheimer’s often experience “sundowning,” which refers to confusion and aggression that occurs in the late afternoon and evening. If your loved one’s angry outbursts are due to cognitive issues or dementia:
- Respond with empathy and compassion, and don’t use a condescending tone
- Use gentle touches and reassure your loved one with a calm, relaxed voice
- Try calming methods, such as playing relaxing music
The physical and cognitive challenges that accompany aging can make it difficult for seniors to manage everyday tasks, which can put their safety and health at risk. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable at-home care. Edmonton, AB, families trust InCasa Home Care Services to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
4. Environmental Changes
An older adult may be distressed by a sudden change in routine, or he or she may be uncomfortable in crowded or unfamiliar surroundings. Any kind of disruption in your loved one’s routine—whether it’s going to the doctor or even a positive experience such as having family members visit—could cause him or her to become agitated. To prevent outbursts related to these types of situations:
- Maintain a consistent schedule to reduce confusion
- Try to stick to familiar surroundings whenever possible
- Explain changes in advance so your loved one knows what to expect
- Remind your loved one you’ll be with him or her at all times
- Restrict the number of visitors your loved one has at one time if he or she gets overstimulated by having too many people around
5. No Apparent Cause
There may be times when you won’t be able to identify precisely why your parent is agitated or angry. If you’ve eliminated the possibility of physical pain or discomfort, try the following suggestions for addressing your loved one’s sudden outburst of anger:
- Maintain your composure, and don’t respond with anger in return
- Maintain eye contact with your parent, and don’t show anxiety or alarm
- Try to distract your loved one with an activity or different topic of conversation
- Validate your loved one’s feelings by listening to what he or she is saying
- If possible, leave the room for a few minutes to give yourself and your parent the opportunity to calm down
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Edmonton home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. InCasa Home Services is here to help. Call one of our friendly Care Managers at (587) 609-6854 to learn about ways our experienced caregivers can help your loved one.
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