If the abuse is verbal or emotional, help them realize how much you do for them by stepping back for a while. However, many caregivers don’t get very far by talking. Try explaining how their behavior makes you feel.
How to Deal With an Elder’s Abusive Behavior They don’t consciously abuse this son or daughter but rather vent their frustrations in an unhealthy way by lashing out. In other situations, parents turn on the adult child who is showing the most love because they feel safe enough to do so. In some cases, abusive behavior may stem from a mental illness, such as narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) or borderline personality disorder (BPD). Stories of mental, emotional and even physical abuse of family members providing care are all too common. Left unchecked, the anger and frustration described above can become so severe that it results in abuse of the caregiver. Occasionally, seniors will lash out at the person who is making the biggest effort to ensure their happiness and well-being.
With dementia, it is important to remember that the patient doesn’t have full control over their words or actions. It can spark resentment in seniors who are living with chronic pain, losing friends, experiencing memory issues, and all the other undignified things that come with getting older.Īlzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can also cause these behaviors. Try to identify the root cause of their anger. Unfortunately, an angry elder’s main target is often their primary caregiver. For example, an irritable person may frequently become enraged, or an impatient person may become demanding and impossible to please. Elderly Anger, Hostility and OutburstsĪge and illness can intensify longstanding personality traits in some unpleasant ways. We’ve compiled ten “bad” behaviors that older adults commonly exhibit, some of the potential mental and physical causes, and tips for coping with them. 10 Elderly Behavior Problems and How to Handle Them