How to Calm Angry Outbursts of People Living with Dementia

Strategies to bring back calm and comfort for you both

One of the most uncomfortable situations for caregivers (or care partners, as we call them here at Positive Approach to Care®) are sudden, angry outbursts by people living with dementia.

Often taken by surprise, care partners are left trying to figure out how to calm and resolve the situation. Without the proper skills and knowledge, this can be a daunting task.

Below are a few tips and techniques that you can try next time to help bring back comfort for you both:

Get into Supportive Stance

Being aware of your body language can make a big difference in dementia care in general. When it comes to conflict, you’ll want to make sure to not stand directly facing the other person, which can come across as confrontational.

Instead, turn your body sideways to the person to get into a non-threatening, supportive stance. By turning your body sideways, you’re giving the other person some visual space, which makes the situation feel less threatening.

Take a look at the images below, and see which one would feel more comforting to you. The one with Teepa looking straight at you, or the one in supportive stance with her body angled to…