The violence of Alzheimer's caregiving.
Judith A. Culp
Director of Litigation Technology @ St. Louis County | Trial Technology
This year has been very eventful, and it's just getting started. On January 3, my mom, with Alzheimer's, fell on her head, and it was terrifying. She was fighting with me about going to the bathroom in the kitchen, which I was resisting naturally; she got upset, lost her footing, and face planted. Immediately, she had a giant Snicker bar-sized knot on her head. Since then, it's been difficult to determine what is Alzheimer's and what is traumatic brain injury in terms of her behavior. Before the fall, she had anxiety and could be prone to outbursts, but after the fall, she more frequently chooses violence. People rarely mention this side of caregiving, but I feel I must share this. If you are a caregiver for an Alzheimer's patient, you have to watch out for scratching, biting, screaming, punching, and kicking.
When Alzheimer's patients exhibit violent behavior, it's important to understand that it's typically not a deliberate choice on their part. Alzheimer's disease affects the brain, leading to cognitive decline, changes in behavior, and, sometimes, loss of impulse control. In some cases, individuals with Alzheimer's may become aggressive due to factors such as confusion, fear, frustration, or discomfort. Most of my mother's violence is around the bathroom. She's very much like a demonic toddler. She doesn't want to wear a Depends, or she only wants to wear pants without a Depends, or she wants to wear neither and is screaming for help as you try to put one or the other on her flailing legs. I know it's horrifying for her when she doesn't recognize me, but I also can't let her lie in a bed that is soaked in urine or worse. And that's when she snaps and yells for help while punching, scratching, etc., and I have to choose patience. But it's hard. It feels a lot like being in an abusive relationship. And it very much is.
Caregivers and healthcare providers must approach these situations with compassion and understanding. Managing aggression in Alzheimer's patients often involves identifying triggers, creating a calm and supportive environment, and using techniques such as redirection, validation, and reassurance.
In some instances, medication may be prescribed to help manage behavioral symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease. Be careful because the hospital sent her home with another medication that made her worse. At some point, I hope traditional medicine opens up to CBD and its benefits. Still, it's important to explore non-pharmacological interventions first and consult with healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate course of action.
领英推荐
Ultimately, it's essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of both the individual with Alzheimer's and those around them while providing compassionate care and support. Many people are dealing with this in silence, but to help people prepare for this, I wanted to share our story. I love my mom, and since she got out of the hospital, I have followed her for every bathroom trip in the middle of the night. We sometimes have tense negotiations about underwear and sometimes I win.
If your loved one has Alzheimer's disease and has experienced a fall, several potential outcomes and considerations may arise:
Overall, addressing the physical and emotional aspects of a fall in someone with Alzheimer's disease requires a comprehensive approach that considers their individual needs and circumstances. Collaborating with healthcare professionals and implementing appropriate interventions can help promote your mom's safety, well-being, and quality of life. I have nothing but amazing things to say about Mercy Hospital and its hospice program in St. Louis.
Sending warmth and strength your way ??. As the admirable Helen Keller said - Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. Your resilience is an inspiring beacon of hope to others on similar journeys ??. #Unity #StrengthInNumbers #Hope
I'm deeply moved by your courage in sharing your story. In these challenging times, Maya Angelou's words resonate deeply, "You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." Your resilience is inspiring. ???? If you're interested in joining a cause that's also about nurturing and growth, we're supporting a global effort in tree planting, aiming for a Guinness World Record. It might be a meaningful way to connect with nature's healing power: https://bit.ly/TreeGuinnessWorldRecord
Former Program Manager Washington University Olin School of Business Center for Experiential Learning
9 个月Praying for your mom. ????
Japanese language Teacher.
9 个月Love you mom.