What is happening
Agitation means a person is restless and worried and cannot settle. They may pace, shout or lash out. There is usually a reason, even when it is hard to see.
Common causes include pain, an infection, hunger or thirst, tiredness, side effects of medicine, too much noise or too many people, feeling lost, being asked too many questions, and a sudden change in routine. They can also pick up on a caregiver’s stress.
What to try right now
- Step 1. Stay calm. Speak softly and keep your face and body relaxed.
- Step 2. Do not argue. Listen, and tell them they are safe.
- Step 3. Lower the noise and move away from crowds.
- Step 4. Think about what happened just before it started.
- Step 5. Check for pain, hunger, thirst or needing the bathroom.
- Step 6. Offer something calming, such as music, a snack, a walk or a simple chore together.
- Step 7. If it is safe, step away for a moment and take a breath.
Keep everyone safe
- Lock up car keys and anything that could cause harm, such as guns and kitchen knives.
When to get help
See a doctor for a full checkup, especially if the change came on suddenly. Pain, infection and medicine side effects can all cause agitation.