Posted on September 2, 2009 - by Nurse Virginia

Caregiving for the confused elderly person who becomes easily agitated

Agitation is excessive movement or rapid speech that usually has no purpose.

Excessive movement or excessive talking without purpose (due to the environment or level of confusion of the elder) we usually refer to as agitation. When a confused elder is agitated, negative behaviors can contribute to more falls, increase their confusion, increased chance of injury, decrease their social life and possibly at the extreme may require medication.

This agitation might be expressed in pacing, hand wringing, crying, fidgeting, insomnia, screaming, being uncooperative, being argumentative, delusions, paranoia, and hallucinations.

When the agitation escalates, and the confused elder is grossly over reacting it may turn to anger or even violence.

Controlling the environment the first step to controlling agitation.

When the environment is controlled in a way to provide a positive atmosphere, many times agitation will not become a problem. The confused elder may not be able to manage excessive stimulation such as a loud T.V., several people visiting and talking, a crowded public area, a crying baby, traffic sounds, all the sounds we take for granted in a busy society.

When the environment becomes stressful and agitation is triggered it may escalate depending on the caregiver’s response to the behavior. So the caregiver who remains calm in the face of an agitated confused elder will help reduce the behavior.

Having a dementing illness makes the elder more vulnerable to stress or a highly stimulating environment. When you see symptoms of agitation-look to the environment first.

Virginia Garberding R.N.
Director of Education, The Wealshire
Author: Please Get To Know Me – Aging with Dignity and Relevance
With Cecil Murphey
(For related information see also other blogs in this category)