Community practice. A positive exercise in damage limitation. Management of aggression in elderly confused people

1. Aggression in the elderly demented person is not uncommon, and should be clearly recognised. 2. Validation and reminiscence therapy can help reduce the risk of aggressive outbursts. 3. A better understanding of how to communicate with an aggressive person can help the carers to maintain interpersonal relationships with loved ones. 4. Carers provide the main bulk of care for elderly people and therefore require help and support to enable them to do this satisfactorily.