 | Shanna Parrish-Taylor is the Director of Nursing at Vintage Place Assisted Living. She is a RN with 9 years long term care experience, experience in critical care as well as hospice setting. Shanna is currently working on her master’s degree towards obtaining her ANRP. For more information on Shanna or Vintage Place please call 620-231-4554.
|
Senior Living
2012-11-07 11:21:38
How can I deal with anger?
A- Dealing with life changes can be very difficult, especially issues of aging. I understand how frustrated, and frightened you must be sometimes, and just how disheartening it is to see your father struggle.
My first suggestion is to get support from medical professionals. Talk to his physician and let them know of the problem. It could be that there are medical reasons to the problem, and medical solutions. Simple things like low blood sugar or interactions with medications could be the root of the problem. It could be a sign of issues that need to be treated. It may a sign of cognitive changes and his physician may have other recommendations to help you manage his anger.
I would also spend some time sorting out possible causes of agitation. It could be that he is frustrated with tasks that were once easy such as dressing, or managing finances. While he may be reluctant to admit he needs help, or to accept it even if he does, taking some responsibility off his shoulders may help.
Next, I would get additional support. It is my guess that your father cannot control his actions, for whatever reason, as much as he would like. Where you cannot control, you can learn to manage with the right kind of help. I would consider options such as assisted living, adult day care, or in-home health aids. Having a respite from providing care will make it much easier to deal with emotional outbursts.
Finally, get the family involved. The family may come up with additional solutions.
Best of luck.
