5 Things to Calm Your Senior Parent with Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s care professionals are trained to help understand what is agitating seniors with Alzheimer’s.
When your senior parent with Alzheimer’s is agitated, it can be difficult to figure out a way to keep them calm. Usually, that’s because it’s so difficult to understand what is upsetting them. When seniors have Alzheimer’s, they can get agitated for a lot of reasons like:
- They’re hungry or thirsty
- They’re tired
- They are too warm or too cold
- They don’t know where they are
- They are having hallucinations
- They have unregulated emotions they don’t understand
- They don’t recognize where they are
- They are frightened
But because they can’t tell you why they are upset, you may not know how to help them. One of the things that can help is Alzheimer’s care.
Alzheimer’s care can help you as much as it helps your senior parent. A trained care provider with education and experience working with seniors with Alzheimer’s can help identify why your senior parent is upset and find a solution.
Some of the most recommended things to try and soothe a senior parent with Alzheimer’s when they are agitated or upset are:
Reduce Distractions
Your senior parent may be overwhelmed or overstimulated by something in the home. Dim the lights or turn off some lights. Turn down the TV or turn it off. Play some very quiet, soothing music. Shut the curtains or the blinds. Try to create a very calm and soothing environment to help them calm down.
Reassure Them That They Are Safe
Acknowledge and validate your parent’s emotions, even if you don’t fully understand the cause of their agitation. Use a soothing and reassuring tone of voice and provide a gentle physical touch if they’re comfortable with it. Let them know that you’re there for them and that they’re safe.
If your senior parent is feeling scared, reassuring them that they are at home and safe can help them relax and calm down.
Redirect Their Attention
Encourage your parent to engage in a calming activity or redirect their focus to something positive and enjoyable. Offer to take a walk together, look at old photographs, listen to their favorite music, or engage in a simple craft or puzzle. Redirecting their attention can help shift their focus away from the source of agitation.
Use Relaxation Or Calming Breathing Techniques
Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, or progressive muscle relaxation with your parent. Encourage your senior parent to take slow, deep breaths and focus on relaxing their body one muscle group at a time.
These techniques can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calmness. A trained Alzheimer’s care provider can help you and your senior parent learn some relaxation techniques.
Make Them Comfortable
If the source of their upset state is a physical need that’s not being met, give them a drink or a snack and have them sit down under a cozy blanket if they are cold. If they seem too warm, make sure they have light clothing on and that their clothing allows for air circulation to help them stay cool.
If you or someone you know needs help with Alzheimer’s Care in East Grand Rapids, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 560-4057 for more information.
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