Can Memory Care Facilities Care for Combative Patients?

Memory care facilities can care for combative patients. Unfortunately, aggression is a common symptom of dementia, and more than 35% of seniors affected by Alzheimer’s disease exhibit some form of combative behavior. These bouts of verbal and/or physical aggression are distressing for everyone involved, making it difficult for families and caregivers to continue looking after a loved one at home. Fortunately, memory care communities have the experience, knowledge and skilled staff to meaningfully redirect, care for and address combative expressions.

Aggressive behavior in dementia patients manifests itself in two main ways:

• Verbal: Abusive language, yelling, making threats, shouting and screaming
• Physical: Hitting, grabbing, pushing, kicking, biting, pinching, scratching, pulling hair and spitting

Although these actions could be part of someone’s existing personality or a direct symptom of the disease, there is often an underlying cause that triggers the aggression, such as:

• Disorientation, confusion or frustration
• Discomfort, pain or a health issue
• A response to the physical and social environment such as lighting (too dark or too bright), noise, roommate concerns, peer and staff interactions and reactions

Seniors with cognitive impairment often find it difficult to verbally and effectively communicate their feelings, leaving them with a sense that they’re not being listened to or understood. Additionally persons living with dementia often lack coping mechanisms and are responding via their unique stress response As a result, they express themselves with combative verbal and physical behaviors, becoming aggressive to those around them.

Memory care communities are safe, structured and supportive environments that employ staff specially trained in dementia care. These professional caregivers have the experience and skills to respond to and respectfully address aggressive residents, focusing on calming interventions, ensuring safety and helping to prevent future altercations.

Caregivers aim to identify the root cause of any combative behavior by learning about an individual, helping them develop a deeper understanding of their personality, routines and behaviors. They take situational factors into consideration, such as medications, health and the environment, which may cause frustration and trigger an aggressive outburst.

A better understanding lets staff adapt their approach and communicate more effectively with each individual, employing calming words, creating a soothing environment and using open body language to meaningfully redirect the aggression and de-escalate the episode.