My dad will be fine one minute and then he is upset and mad about something he thinks I or someone has told him, and the information isn't even correct and I try to explain and he just gets more upset and walks away or stops talking to me, one time we didn't speak for a day and half.
I read in your profile that you don't currently live with Dad? But you are helping him out. If this is new behavior for Dad he may be experiencing some changes in mentation. If this is not new it may simply be that you are currently having a bit more contact than is good for either of you, so withdraw a bit. Do know that any "explaining" to him may come over as "argument", and just don't bother. Figure out ways to redirect the subject. Just go home a bit earlier when things get a bit more testy. Wishing you good luck. An example would help us answer different ways to respond.
Id talk to doc about meds. It is common for those in middle/advanced dementia to be agitated, paranoid about items/checks, stolen, spouse cheating etc. The brain is shrinking and plaqs build up. It might be the difference of you getting hit and them being calm. It can be very scary when they are convinced of something. The meds help with agitation if it is starting to happen more often.
I had a woman in NH corner me in dad's room screaming at me. Said I stole her welfare cheque. I thought she was going to slap me. I was very concerned for my safety. Id have to do a dive over the bed to get away from her. I made sure never to sit where I could be cornered again. A nurse came in and redirected her. Thank goodness!!! I was about to be hit.
If you can't redirect, Id leave room or say very little. When agitated they want to argue. People can't argue with themselves.
bi polar. One moment she is happy and if I say or do one thing that is different from giving her attention and she gets upset. Just let your father be. Older people's hormones and moods change fast. Their body hurts and they don't like being old. I know my mother does not and so they get angry, nasty, etc.
Thing is, he really can't go get himself what he will want, it isn't made like they did it in the old days anyway, and he doesn't remember where to shop for stuff like that. But the gentle jibe I gave him made him smile and diverted what would have likely been 10 minutes of complaints if I hadn't. Humor helps, at least in his case.
Best wishes. I know that it is really hard to deal with when they're irrational.
Dont try to explain.
Next time, Just say he misunderstood or you didn't explain yourself correctly and if he walks off, let him and don't fuse with him.
If he walks off, just write a letter and let him know whatever happened and leave it for him
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