Fact 4: Impact of Aggression on Caregivers
Dealing with aggressive behavior can significantly impact caregivers, often posing both emotional and physical challenges. Caregivers frequently bear the brunt of these aggressive episodes, which can be draining and even traumatic in severe cases.
Witnessing a loved one struggle with dementia and face drastic personality changes can be emotionally challenging. When coupled with the strain of managing aggressive behavior, caregivers often find themselves grappling with feelings of guilt, frustration, and helplessness.
The emotional toll can be particularly high when dementia patients display verbal aggression. Hearing hurtful words or insults from a loved one can be painful, even with the understanding that these are symptoms of the disease and not reflective of the individual’s true feelings. Self-care and emotional support become crucial for caregivers to navigate these challenges.
The physical impact of aggression can’t be underestimated either. Dementia patients exhibiting physical aggression can inadvertently harm their caregivers, posing safety risks. Such instances call for careful management strategies to ensure safety while trying to calm the individual down.(4)
