Responding to Dementia-Related Anger and Distress in Palm Beach County

By Silver Sitters

Anger, shouting or resistance during care can be distressing for the person living with dementia and those helping them. Palm Beach County families should focus on safety, comfort and understanding what may have changed.

Consider the cause before choosing a response

Pain, illness, medicine side effects, hunger, fatigue or difficulty hearing and seeing can contribute. Noise, confusing instructions or an uncomfortable care task may also be involved. Record what happened before the distress, what the person seemed to need and what helped.

Arrange a medical review for new or worsening behavior. Do not assume every change is an inevitable stage of dementia. Call 911 for sudden confusion or a medical emergency.

Respond calmly and protect safety

Use a calm voice and short, clear sentences. Acknowledge the person’s feelings, reduce distractions and pause a task that is causing distress. Offer a different activity or return to the task later when appropriate. Ask before touching or assisting, and give the person space.

If anyone is in immediate danger, move to safety and call 911. Tell responders that the person has dementia. Do not attempt to manage a dangerous confrontation alone.

Review treatment with a clinician

The care team should assess possible medical causes and try appropriate changes to comfort, communication and surroundings. Medicines are not selected simply by the stage of dementia. A prescriber must weigh potential benefits and risks, explain monitoring and review whether treatment is helping. Antipsychotic medicines have serious risks in older adults with dementia and require particular caution.

Agree on a consistent care approach

Share the person’s preferences, successful approaches and warning signs with everyone involved in care. Write down who to contact for routine concerns, urgent changes and backup assistance. Family and professional caregivers also need time to rest and support when situations become difficult. The aim is respectful care and an appropriate response to the individual’s needs.