Caring for people with dementia poses many challenges, and dealing with agitation and anxiety is one of them. When a person with dementia is agitated or anxious, they may become restless and unsettled. This is often followed by the person exhibiting aggression and lashing out at their caregiver.
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If you're wondering how to calm dementia people living with dementia, you're in the right place. This post will cover tips for dealing with episodes of BPSD and discuss seven effective strategies to help calm the person you're caring for.

People with dementia become agitated and anxious for a reason. Often, finding the source of agitation and anxiety and dealing with it helps resolve the situation.

Perhaps they are trying to remember something, but no matter how desperate they try, they can't seem to put a name to whatever that thing or person may be. Out of frustration, they begin to burst out in anger.

They may also be experiencing a feeling of loss or missing the freedom of being able to do things on their own.

Other times, it may be because they have soiled underwear or diapers. Or maybe they simply need to rest or sleep. Whatever the reason, your role as the caregiver is to assist them in re-focusing by finding the source of the agitation and then dealing with it as soon as possible.

Helping a loved one with dementia calm down requires empathy. The first step is to stay calm. Agitation can be very contagious, and when you allow yourself to be upset, the situation will only worsen.

When you notice the person you're caring for is starting to get disconcerted, do your best not to panic. Instead, take a deep breath and stay calm. When your loved one sees that you are relaxed, they will feel reassured and safe, and it will be easier for you to assist them.

Restlessness could be a sign of physical discomfort. Dealing with the root cause of their discomfort will help calm them down and reduce their agitation. Perhaps they are hungry or thirsty. Ask them if they need to go to the restroom. Check if anything on them could be causing discomfort, such as itchy waistbands, a collar that's too tight, or a scratchy piece of fabric.

When the person you’re caring for is showing signs of agitation, stop whatever you're doing and give all your attention to the person. Listen to what the other person is saying without correcting them. When there's an opportunity, look at them gently, smile, and ask permission to speak. You can say something like, "Would you like me to help you with something?" You can also make a gentle request: "Will you walk with me in the garden?" People with dementia might be easily overwhelmed by frustration, and more words will only worsen the situation.

Give your loved one some reassurance, reminding them that you are there for them. Listen to their concern and show them that you understand that they are angry or anxious. A gentle touch is often enough to help keep them calm. Have the person seated and give them a soft rub on the back or a gentle pat on the hand. Five minutes of hand massage can help reduce cortisol levels and promote relaxation.

Aromatherapy has been found to be an effective way to reduce stress and manage agitation in dementia. It can be performed by letting the person breathe essential oil extracts or rubbing the oil on their skin. When the person you're caring for is anxious and frustrated about something, invite them to sit down with you and tell them that you're going to rub some essential oil on their hand. Aromatherapy can activate regions in the nasal passages and cause them to send messages to the brain, encouraging the release of feel-good chemicals like serotonin.

People with dementia rely on routines. Familiarity is important to them as their condition gradually impairs their ability to make plans and complete activities. If the person you're caring for is showing signs of agitation, apply the necessary steps to help keep them calm without changing their routine. Daily routines can help reduce their anxiety because they give them reassurance of knowing what to expect.

Sometimes, agitation and anxiety occur because the person lacks sleep and is tired. Or maybe there is too much stimulation in the room they are currently in. If this is the case, invite the person for some quiet time, away from the people and the noise. Take them to a place where they can relax and clear their mind. Ten to fifteen minutes of quiet time should help improve their mood.

If you're wondering how to calm someone living with dementia at night, music might be able to assist you. A study noted positive outcomes when people with dementia listened to appropriate music for several minutes. And not just any kind of music, but music that they chose. So if your loved one can't sleep at night due to anxiety, try playing music they love. Keep the volume at a level that they can hear but not too loud to overstimulate them.

Keep in mind that the best person to help you is a professional. If none of these tips works and the person still can't sleep well at night or is being overly aggressive, call their doctor immediately. And don't forget to protect yourself and other people by maintaining a safe distance until the aggression stops.

Are you looking for a tool that provides music to help with the symptoms of dementia? Vera might have the answer. Try Vera for free today and find out how it can assist you in your caregiving duties