But people living with dementia can sometimes have difficulty interpreting the information coming to them through their senses because their sensory function may have deteriorated.

Sensory therapy involves carers activating one or more of a person’s senses, whether it be taste, smell, sight, sound or touch. It has been shown to improve the emotional and physical wellbeing of people living with dementia.

Sensory therapy can also help aged care staff develop a closer bond with the care recipient and help them develop a more person-centred approach to their care practice.

Using sensory therapy in aged care

Here are some ways that carers can help people living with dementia to use their different senses. By offering the opportunity to experience their environment, and perhaps talk about it, carers can improve the care recipient’s quality of life and help to calm those living with dementia.

Sometimes these activities may take place in a unique sensory room, or they can also be conducted in bedrooms or common rooms. They may be held in groups or one on one.

Touch

– Massage hands, the head, back and shoulders

– Provide manicures and washing hair can be a fantastic sensory activity

– Holding hands

– Provide experiences such as gardening and visits from small animals

– Provide interesting textures to touch, such as sandpaper, pine cones, and different types of fabric

Sight

– Train staff to be aware of lighting and the effect it may have on someone living with dementia

– Make the most of any views outside the window

– Present food so that it looks appealing on the plate, place contrasting colours side by side

– Help the person take pride in their appearance, with makeup, jewellery and clothing

– Decorate with indoors plants where appropriate

– Hang art and photographs around the home

– Play a favourite movie

– Perhaps the person would like to redecorate?

Taste

– Serve interesting and varied meals

– Offer new tastes, such as food from a different culture

– Provide unusual fruits and vegetables, as well as their favourites

– You can set up tasting activities, where the person has to choose if a food it sweet, sour, salty or bitter, and so on

Sound

– Take the time to sit and talk with the person

– Be aware of the sound and loudness of your voice – loud voices can cause people living with dementia to become agitated

– Play music and encourage dancing, clapping, singing, as well as simple listening

– Find out what types of music the person enjoys, and play that music

– Put on a concert

– Play tracks of natural sounds, such as a waterfall or gentle rainfall

– Have debates, games and quizzes

Smell

– Train staff to use pleasant aromas around the home, such as flowers or aromatherapy oils

– Lavender oil can have a calming effect and can be evaporated in an oil burner

– Use scented oils and lotions for massage

– Create a sensory garden with sweet-smelling flowers and herbs

– Talk about everyday smells, such as food cooking, coffee, or flowers

These are simple, person-centred ways you can stimulate the senses of people who are living with dementia and help them connect with the world around them, improving their quality of life, and helping to ensure they are calm and happy.

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For those that have gone through periods of grief, many describe that they have felt lost in a sea of it.

It is vitally important that when speaking about grief and its complexities that the utmost kindness, gentleness and tact be used.

If you are currently experiencing grief we want to acknowledge it, we want you to know that you are cared for, thought of, and while we don’t know where you are in your journey, we want to be alongside you for it.

Experts from the whole spectrum of psychological study agree that grieving can be an extremely subjective experience.

Where someone may be in an intense state of grief for years, another may have it subside after months.

There is no one way to grieve and this brings its own complications in management and coping strategies.

You are not alone

One of the significant challenges people felt, who were going through grief, is that they were alone in it, that no one else could understand.

A study found that of 200 consultations with doctors, over 25% of people professed going through a time of grief.

From losing a loved one to being separated or significant life changes, loss, a drastic change from the norm was found to bring on periods of grief.

There are people out there who have felt as completely out of control, filled with sorrow and confusion.

You are not alone in your journey to cope and grasp for hope.

Communal creatures

Dr. Shear of Columbia University says that, “we don’t grieve well alone.”

Of those going through deep periods of pain and loss, some have found that in community, in finding support among family and friends, healing could slowly start to occur.

Additionally studies found people have found solace in reaching out to people who have been through similar experiences of loss.

Yet through it all, it is a deeply intricate and emotional journey.

People have spoken about wanting to burrow into themselves and talk to no one.

If you have a loved one going through grieve, seek to keep an eye on them and a helping hand.

Many people studied have expressed that they didn’t know how to grieve, how to manage their emotions and their day-to-day lives.

It is here that those of us who can cope have the opportunity to step in and assist where appropriate and needed.

Permission to grieve

Studies have shown that one of the difficulties faced by those encountering loss is that they did not feel that had the right to grieve or to even stop grieving.

Spouses who have had to place their loved ones in care or had a loved one pass away after a long struggle with illness have spoken of not feeling ok to grieve.

Feelings of guilt at having to make a difficult decision or wanting a loved one to remain alive but in pain have complicated the grieving seasons for many.

It is here that medical professionals, from doctors to nurses and aged care have the opportunity to walk loved ones through their absolute right to grieve change and loss.

Dr Parkes in his study speaks of the need people may have to initiate grieving and in some cases to be able to move on from their grief.

Seek help

The common narrative in Western society is to manage and cope by one’s own strength.

Grief in many instances, completely flattens that premise.

Dealing with powerful and sometimes gut-wrenchingly painful emotions can, understandably, be incredibly difficult to navigate at all, let alone.

Dr Parkes advocates that health care professionals can help to assist people with navigating loss.

There is utterly no shame in seeking help.

From Dr. Parkes to Dr. Shear and others at the forefront of grief management, it is immensely wise to partner with another to navigate your grief.

Dr. Shear and others highlight the wisdom in attempting to find a narrative for your grief, a helping hand to help you discover who you are and how to navigate seemingly impossible feelings of fear and loss.

Whether you are grieving or walking alongside someone who is, know that there is help ready.

Seek out your local grief counsellor, partner with a support group and know that the possibility for things to get better is always out there.

Even if you can’t see it, even if it is not cognitively possible for you to think of, things can get better.

The post Understanding the complexity of grief appeared first on Autumn Aged Care.

Scientific studies have been uncovering long term challenges to the physical and mental functioning of the body after a struggle with sepsis.

Unfortunately as we age, the likelihood of sepsis occurring increases.

Not only is there a need to work towards preventing sepsis but particularly preventing the considerable consequences it has long term on the body.

While the findings display worrying elements when it comes to the effects of sepsis, it is in being fully aware of the factors at play, that loved ones, the medical community and the aged care sector can plan and respond thoroughly.

What is sepsis?

Sepsis occurs when the body’s natural immune system response, which is inflammation, becomes out of control.

Initially what may be a normal reaction to an infection such as pneumonia, starts to progress out of the safe boundaries of immune system working and goes on to damage the body itself.

If sepsis is allowed to continue without being checked what can occur is severe sepsis, where organs of the body are damaged by the mis-workings of the immune system.

What effects can sepsis have?

Researchers found that 60% of those who had sepsis displayed worsening cognitive and physical function.

Around 40% needed assistance walking and 20% needed help with grocery shopping, getting dressed and daily activities.

The study found that adults who were admitted to hospital for reasons other than sepsis had negligible amounts of cognitive and physical change compared to those with sepsis.

What are the possible causes of further complication from sepsis?

Researchers spent considerable time seeking to understand the consequences of sepsis and to uncover evidenced advice to give to seniors so as to prevent it.

Doctor and research lead, Dr. Iwashyna highlights that low blood pressure and inflammation that people experience with sepsis can lead to brain damage resulting in cognitive problems.

He also advises loved ones and the health community to be aware of bouts of delirious as these states have been known to be a precursor to dementia.

He describes that inflammation and infection can attack and damage the muscles.

Dr Iwashyna argues that a lack of consistent and professional physical therapy during sepsis may lead to further patient complications and disability later in life, such as cognitive and physical decline.

Flu And Pneumonia Vaccines Are Vital

As the results from numerous studies attest, sepsis and its possible consequences are significant and arguably need further research and treatments.

Yet currently there are a number of measures that the medical community advise in the effort to prevent sepsis.

Older patients are counselled to consistently have their flu and pneumonia vaccines administered to decrease the risk of infection that bring about sepsis.

Additionally, from his study Dr. Iwashyna highlights that consistent physical therapy and exercise may contribute positively to reducing further complication from sepsis later in life.

Careful monitoring of loved ones by family and carers is one of the ways that sepsis can be diagnosed and treated swiftly.

Partnering with physical therapists and even family members, residents may be assisted in their striving to remain active and as healthy as they can be as they tackle sepsis.

The post Understanding sepsis and its wide reaching effects appeared first on Autumn Aged Care.

While many residents may be acting out due to circumstances out of their control, carers regularly have to deal with challenging situations with emotional and physical factors at play.

It is important to acknowledge the difficulties faced by carers so as to provide a space of transparency, affirmation and importantly solution based resources.

It’s Difficult For All Carers

Rowan Harwood, Consultant Geriatrician and Professor of Geriatric Medicine and Health Care of older persons at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, has written and spoken on the topic and challenge of handling difficult symptoms and patients.

Harwood provides a reminder and comfort in the sense that no health care employee will always know what to do in any given situation, let alone a complex and high intensity one.

He says that many times difficult situations include confusing intersecting elements of medicine, psychiatry and law.

He says that oftentimes the best point of action may be really unclear.

What contributes to the difficulty in deciding what to do is that structured guidelines may be neither consistently applicable nor explicit.

Why is someone acting the way they are?

Harwood explains that a person may be aggressive, violent or abusive and acting anti-socially but it is important to look below the surface.

Within a facility or before a certain task like showering, medical, mental health or emotional problems and even a combination of all may be occurring.

It is important to assess the deeper situation to find the underlying explanation of behaviour and how much of each factor is contributing to behaviour.

For example, if a resident is in a lot of pain due to a chronic illness they may be acting out of fear, believing that when it comes to showering the pain will become worse.

What is behind difficult symptoms?

Harwood expresses that when looking at and attempting to manage difficult symptoms it is helpful to understand it as representing the “communication of distress or unmet need.”

This is a powerful tool when feeling overwhelmed by a resident yelling or attempting to strike you.

Our bodies naturally tense, deciding whether to fight or flight but Harwood and other experts explain that it is in centreing yourself and your mind, breathing deeply and seeking to understand the possible unmet needs that are triggering the surface loud and difficult symptoms, progress can be had.

De-escalation

Many psychologists and experts in this area advise that keeping your voice low, using active listening phrases like, “I hear what you are saying” and “That sounds very frustrating, how do you think we can resolve this?” can help in de-escalating a difficult situation with a resident.

Lynda Lampert explains that speaking softly, remaining neutral, keeping your distance, light eye contact and affirming that you hear their complaints go a long way in bringing down the intensity of challenging patients.

Harwood encourages that personnel can prevent and de-escalate situations through comprehending why the situation is happening, identifying the need and attempting to anticipate and meet it.

He explains that even though difficult symptoms can be overwhelming to manage, approaching it with a plan, to diagnose and treat while still maintaining safety and function can help with breakthroughs.

Give Yourself Space And Remember Humanity

From asking colleagues for their input, to seeking out your boss’ opinion on the situation, and spending some quiet time brainstorming over why a resident is acting the way they are, can provide valuable insight outside of stressful situations.

Harwood encourages carers to remain person centred in their approach to figuring out challenging symptoms. Remembering a person’s humanity can have multiple benefits from providing energy to keep working at figuring out a solution and realising what is at the bottom of difficult symptoms.

Community And Continued Learning

It is important that if an employee is feeling overwhelmed with a resident that they feel comfortable seeking help and asking for support.

Many difficult situations are more than we can manage on our own.

It is through collaboration and coordinated approaches that many challenging situations are overcome.

Harwood advocates that “Skilled communication, non-confrontation, relationship-building and negotiation represent the best way to manage situations and avoid harm.”

It is these areas where teaching needs to occur at all levels and at consistent time intervals.

While all carers will at many points in their career have to manage difficult situations and residents, it is through support, continued learning and community that solutions can be found.

Seeking help from colleagues, superiors and other healthcare professionals coupled with asking for the training you feel you need when it comes to de-escalation, will have positive sustained impacts on work satisfaction and overall resident health.

The post How to support people living with dementia through their symptoms appeared first on Autumn Aged Care.

One of the leading resources in this area is the collaborative endeavour by many of the aged care sectors leading organisations.

The Principles of Palliative and End-Of-Life Care in Residential Aged Care is a rich guiding resource when it comes to palliative care.

A combined effort between Palliative Care Australia, Alzheimer’s Australia, COTA Australia, Aged & Community Services Australia, Leading Age Services Australia, Catholic Health Australia and the Aged Care Guild have provided a united standpoint in establishing coherent recognition of the diverse needs of residential aged care consumers.

From residents, families, carers and aged care staff to service providers, the principles guide assists in asserting strong expectations and standards when it comes to providing palliative and end-of-life care.

How great is the need for quality palliative care?

The report details the increasing need that Australians have for high quality palliative and end of life care.

Eight years ago, 116,481 people aged 65 years and over passed away. 75% of those needed to use aged care services in the 12 months before their death.

The statistics also show that the older a person was when they passed away, the higher the likelihood that they needed and decided to access a service around the time of their passing.  

The need is great and what fuels the necessity of appropriate standards and reform in this area is the degree of vulnerability and fragility of those who are in need.

As age progresses, health, strength and resilience has a tendency to diminish, it is up to those in the sector to fight for their protection and quality of care.

A Rationale For Principles

The report highlights that in facilitating reliable access to high quality palliative and end-of-life care services in aged care facilities, and in people’s own homes, will benefit thousands of Australians in the intimate and personal time preceding passing away.

To afford older Australians the ability to have a good death, increased support for their families and carers during the end-of-life time and bereavement processes is not only a noble mission but one deeply human and entrenched in human rights.

Additionally in focussing on the best approaches to palliative care is to transparently call for the better allocation of scarce health resources.

The Principles

The report expresses eight principles that should be acted upon across the aged care sector at large.

1. Consumers physical and mental needs at end-of-life should be acutely and thoroughly assessed and recognised
2. Consumers, families and carers should be involved in end-of-life planning and decision making
3. Consumers should receive equitable and timely access to appropriate end-of-life care within aged care facilities
4. End-of-life care is to be holistic, integrated and delivered by appropriately trained and skilled staff
5. The end-of-life care needs of consumers with dementia or cognitive impairment should be understood and met within residential aged care
6. Consumers, families and carers should be treated with dignity and respect
7. Consumers should have their spiritual, cultural and psychosocial needs respected and fulfilled
8. Families, carers, staff and residents should be supported in bereavement

Powerfully the World Health Organisation defines palliative care:

“Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problem associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual.”

It is in seeking to set of standards of quality and care for our most vulnerable, that we as a nation and society are able to do good for our neighbour, as well as fight for a better future for the coming generations.

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The straightforward, 5 minute neck scan could detect the likelihood of dementia developing in the brain years out from symptoms exhibiting.

Those in the medical community believe the scan could be a pivotal component of the screening approach for middle-age persons at risk of developing the disease.

The Science Behind The Study

Researchers explained that healthy, elastic blood vessels near the heart are integral to healthy brain and body functioning.

These healthy, elastic blood vessels function to soften the energy and pulse from each heartbeat, protecting the fragile blood vessels found elsewhere in the body.

Unfortunately what can occur through ageing and health deterioration is that these vessels are pressured into stiffening and consequently lose their protective abilities.

The fallout from this process is that strong pulses from the heart can reach delicate brain vessels.

As time progresses and as these delicate blood vessels are exposed to stronger energy pulses, damage is more likely to occur in the delicate blood vessels of the brain.

Experts believe that structural changes in the blood vessel network of the brain and what are known as mini strokes all may trigger the development of dementia.

Cognitive Decline

The University College London team spent 15 years thoroughly scanning 3200 of brains.

Their focus was acutely monitoring the strength of the pulse between the heart and the brain.

Researchers found that those that exhibited the strongest pulse intensity at the commencement of the study were around 50% more likely to display increasing cognitive decline over the following 15 years compared to their volunteer counterparts.

It is in detecting the pulse strengths and reach of individual brains that the study’s powerful contribution to dementia detection occurs.

The scan will be integral in detection and information gathering, not only giving medical professionals more time to assist but allowing individuals and families to have greater options and opportunities.

What The Study Will Mean For Testing

The associate medical director of the British Heart Foundation, Professor Metin Avkiran says, “This test may provide a new way to identify people at risk of cognitive decline long before they display any noticeable symptoms.

“What we need now is further research, for example to understand whether lifestyle changes and medicines that reduce pulse wave intensity also delay cognitive decline.”

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The Good Neighbour program, from its inception to implementation, has aimed to improve the quality of life and care felt by residents in residential aged care facilities.

The resounding success of the program is being echoed by many working in the sector, who feel that the students involved are breathing new life into a sector that has been under considerable strain.

In a time when the Royal Commission into the aged care sector has raised considerable concerns about the welfare of many, programs such as the Good Neighbour program are set to bring about much needed change.

The Good Neighbour Program

Countless studies and research initiatives have discovered that community and consistent social contact are vital components for humans to flourish.

Unfortunately as constraints on budget, staffing and consequently time have become evident within the aged care sector, employees at RACFs have articulated their frustration at not being able to spend enough time with residents.

UQ PhD candidate Nicole Walker spoke about the core visions of the program, “It is a social intervention for residents who are isolated and have little social support outside the facility,”

“UQ students volunteer their time and work on building relationships with the residents, many of whom have mental health and behavioural issues, as well as age-related decline.”

Staff Members Welcome The Program

Encouragingly, Walker speaks of the positive reception the Good Neighbour has been receiving from staff.

“Staff in the facility have reported a sense of being more supported in the workplace since the program started in 2016, having more time to devote to the residents’ clinical care. They have told us there is a huge change in the energy in the facility when the students are there, and they are seeing improvements in resident behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia.”

The Program Is Set To Grow

The program, currently made up of psychology students, is set to broaden to both medical and other allied health students.

Nicole Walker explains that while being both an opportunity to develop professionally and learn new skills, the program has a greater focus to help foster positive attitudes in and towards aged care and the elderly.

“The stereotypes of people living in care foster depersonalisation, which directly impacts resident well-being.

“Many people have negative experiences with aged care, so undertaking an ongoing, positive experience with residents is important in changing ageist attitudes and developing the future workforce.

“Through the program, we see significant positive change in the students’ attitudes towards all aspects of residential aged care.”

As the needs of the aged care sector are only projected to increase, the vital need to attract and retain high-quality and heartfelt professionals is all too apparent.

Shaping the opportunities, needs and understanding of our vulnerable elderly to future working generations is a crucial step to securing quality care for the decades to come.

Future Benefits

As the benefits of the program are still unfurling, the reach of projects such as the Good Neighbour are set to have ever increasing validity and purpose.

In a sector that has arguably been considerably under-resourced, partnerships with learning institutions are all the more needed and gratefully received.

The logistical, personal and professional benefits of this tertiary involvement in aged care highlights the encouraging possibilities to come.

The post Why social connections are key to improving aged care? appeared first on Autumn Aged Care.

A large-scale study run by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) in the UK has found that it is more likely for an older person to be referred to hospice care later than a younger person.

The discrepancies in referral times, in relation to age and number of days lived in palliative care, has brought into focus significant concerns surrounding the referral process.

What does the report tell us?

The NIHR report collected data from 64 hospice homes across the United Kingdom covering 42,758 adults who passed away in 2015.

The report discovered that those who were aged 50 and under were referred to hospice-based palliative care around one month before those who were aged 75 and above.

It was also found that those who had dementia and/or had suffered a stroke were only referred to hospice for palliative care around 9 days before they passed away, a stark difference to those with motor neuron or cancer, who were referred considerably earlier.

Why is the report important?

Due to the nature of how hospice care exists in the U.K and in many countries around the globe, there is a substantial lack of information on referral times and processes.

88% of hospices in the U.K are charitable organisation and only 12% are government run NHS units.

Previous reports have looked at referral times from hospital episode statistic but this report aimed to study hospices directly.

What does the research tell us about palliative care?

Existing research shows that people who are nearing end of life enjoy better quality of life, care and symptom control when they reside in an environment that can provide them with specialist palliative care.

Relatives studied have consistently rated hospital end of time experiences with less satisfaction than those who had their loved ones pass away at home. Yet in spite of this evidenced standpoint, many people continue to die in hospital.

Where to from here?

Many medical experts positively receiving this study say that more understanding around referral timing is a good and needed progress. Additionally many are calling for more study and research to be done in this area.

While at once providing vital data on referral timing, the study raises the need to investigate the significant variations in specialist palliative care referral.  

There is arguably a vital need to discern the factors that are creating these variations.

For the most vulnerable in our society’s and those at end of life stages, there is a need to improve the process by which referrals to specialist palliative care are made.

The post Timing for referral to palliative care appeared first on Autumn Aged Care.

What do experts say about delirium?

Dr Orser has been researching and conducting studies concerning delirium for many years. Based out of the University of Toronto, she is the co-director of research in the department of anesthesia at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and has been dedicating her life to figure out the nuances of delirium.

According to Dr. Orser, delirium is a state of mental confusion that happens intensely. One of the particularly concerning aspects of delirium is that it can happen overnight or over short periods of time. According to experts, most cases of delirium occur unexpectedly and while the symptoms of delirium are often temporary it can last a few days up to several weeks.

Why does it happen?

According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP), delirium or “acute confusional state” is likely to be brought on by medical problems, surgery or medications.

How can I tell if my loved one is going through delirium?

The RCP lists the following areas to question in determining if your loved one is exhibiting signs of delirium.

• Are they less aware of what is going on around them?
• Are they unsure about where they are or what they are doing there?
• Are they unable to follow a conversation or to speak clearly?
• Are they having vivid dreams, which are often frightening and may carry on when they wake up?
• Are they hearing noises or voices when there is nothing or no one to cause them?
• Are they seeing people or things which aren’t there?
• Do they worry that other people are trying to harm them?
• Are they very agitated or restless, unable to sit still and wandering about?
• Are they very slow or sleepy?
• Are they sleeping during the day, but waking up at night?
• Are they having moods that change quickly. Can they be frightened, anxious, depressed or irritable?
• Are they more confused at some times than at others – often in the evening or at night?

Dr Orser explains that a person with delirium may seem especially confused, suspicious of others, even loved ones, aggressive, or simply not acting like themselves. While delirium is usually temporary, medical experts advise that you contact your trusted medical professional immediately to seek the best care for your loved one.

What is dementia?

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Dementia is “is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Memory loss is an example. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia.”

Dementia is an umbrella term covering a group of symptoms. These symptoms are closely linked to memory loss and a decline in thinking skills, the declines in these areas significantly affect a person’s ability to carry out daily activities and routines.

What do doctors assess in diagnosing dementia?

According to to the Association, doctors look at a group of five specific areas in determining if a person may have dementia.

Within these five areas, two must be significantly declining to warrant a diagnosis.

• Memory
• Communication and language
• Ability to focus and pay attention
• Reasoning and judgment
• Visual perception

What does it look like in the day-to-day?

Experts say that a person with dementia may have problems with short term memory and that will exhibit itself in their day to day.

They may have consistent problems finding their wallet, remembering to pay bills, planning and preparing meals, remembering appointments and catch ups with friends.

Dementia is progressive

Unfortunately there is no absolute cure yet for dementia. In most cases it is a progressive disease, it is likely the decline in memory function and other thinking related skills will continue to worsen.

Experts across the medical community encourage anyone who believes they themselves or a loved one has memory difficulties to see a medical professional as soon as possible. This allows for early intervention, treatments and time to plan with your support network and loved ones.

The post What is the difference between delirium and dementia? appeared first on Autumn Aged Care.

These situations, while hopefully not common, do occur and they can be really challenging. Here are some ways that professionals, involved in health care, have approached managing agitated persons for the best outcomes.

1. Look for the signs

It can be helpful to notice and plan for someone’s mood when they are still in the beginning stages of their anger. Look for tense jaws, clenched hands, a less talkative person, a raised voice or tense posture. If you start to notice these things you can give yourself time to make a plan for how you are going to approach the situation.

2. Asking Open Ended Questions

Asking questions like, “How are you feeling now?”, “Why are you feeling this way?” or “How do you feel about it?” may allow the patient to ‘vent’ and open up about why they are feeling frustrated. Asking open ended questions, without judgment or sway, can help a patient tap into what they are feeling and what may be causing it. It also allows them the opportunity to feel heard and understood.

3. Breathe Deeply and Remain Calm

This cuch are they paying?

an be so tricky. Yet one of the ways to diffuse anger is to meet it with the opposite. If you work at remaining calm, you will be enabled to think rationally and deal with the situation. Through breathing deeply you may be able to keep your heart rate down which can encourage the body to be calm.

4. Use their name and show empathy

Using a person’s name can help them to feel focussed on and personally connected. If they have opened up about what is making them angry it can help to empathise. Would you feel frustrated in their situation? Responding with empathetic statements can help your resident feel validated and understood. “I understand how upsetting this must be for you, Margaret” and “John, I’m hearing what you’re saying, that sounds difficult to deal with.”

5. Dealing with ‘blow up’s and knowing you are not a bad person

When people get angry, they can sometimes become irrational and with that irrationality can come some very hurtful things. If a resident has lost control know that you are not a bad person, know that you are just doing your job and imagine the hurtful words bouncing off you. When a resident is having a significant episode of anger, sometimes it is best to be quiet and wait for them to finish. Of course it isn’t unpleasant but sometimes trying to interject or pacify can only fan the flame of their anger. After they have finished you can, in a calm and level voice, say, “I hear that you are angry right now, would you like me to come back?” Or “Can you tell me what you need?” or “Do you have some suggestions on ways to solve this problem?

6. Know your limits and ask for help

If a resident has been consistently angry for some time seek out your colleagues’ and boss’ opinion, advice and strategies. It is always easier to deal with difficult situations and challenges with the help of a support network. There may be more experienced staff in your workplace that have specific bits of advice for your particular situation. Asking your boss or suggesting to your colleagues that a training session on anger management could be a way for the whole staff team to learn and develop. Additionally if anyone is really struggling with a patient it is important to be open about that difficulty so that others can have the opportunity to support and brainstorm resolution strategies.

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