The safe application of physical interventions in aggressive older adults: considerations from the physiotherapy profession

Abstract

In certain older adult subpopulations, e.g. those with dementia or cognitive impairment, aggression would appear to be commonplace, particularly in inpatient settings (Winstanley and Whittington, 2004; Stewart et al., 2008). Healthcare professionals have a spectrum of different techniques they may employ to avoid and manage aggression (National Institute of Clinical Excellence, 2005). Aggression may manifest itself in many forms, but physical assault is particularly troublesome as this may have many deleterious effects on the victim's health. The displays of such behavior increase the likelihood that more intrusive measures, such as physical intervention and/or administration of psychotropic medication, are used by the responding healthcare professionals (NICE, 2005).