Introduction

Action Ideas That Work

Volunteer Driver Training Program
    Welcome / Introduction
    Who Are We Serving,
    Who Are We
    Challenges for Caregivers in
    Regards to Transportation
    Potential Challenges for
    Volunteer Drivers
     - Listening
     - Communication
     - Sensitivity
     - Preventing Agitation
     - Dealing with Agitation
     - Providing Physical Assistance
     - Boundaries
     - Safety Considerations for
       Volunteer Drivers
     - Emergency Procedures
   Transportation Specifics
   for Leaders
     - Risk Management
     - Insurance for Volunteers
     - Insurance and Liability
       Concerns
    Materials Needed to Teach
    Conclusion

Resource Sheets

Resources / Links

Dealing with Agitation

Sometimes agitation cannot be avoided. However, there are ways to handle it if you are prepared.

Agitation or the attempt to leave the vehicle may be the result of a desire to meet former obligations that no longer exist, lack of awareness of current surroundings while desiring to perform another task, or an inability to communicate basic needs. If your client becomes agitated, resistive or argumentative because of a belief that he should be going somewhere other than your destination, it is often helpful to agree and act as if you are going along with his plan – even use it as a discussion topic – while you actually are proceeding with your original plan and destination. This approach, as opposed to arguing, disagreeing or re-orienting, is called “Validation.” In other words, you are validating your client’s beliefs, leading to more cooperation. For example, ask your client why he does not want to get in. If he can tell you what he believes is happening, “validate” his belief by going along with the story and incorporating the need for the car ride into the story. This is usually more effective than arguing with someone with dementia, as he may not have the ability to understand the reality of the situation even after many attempts on your part. If your client becomes agitated or resistive while attempting to enter the car or during the ride, try to determine the cause of agitation–especially if it might stem from a situation that happened prior to getting in the vehicle.

Next time, you could try going for a brief walk together before entering the car, allowing time for him to calm down. Sometimes agitation can stem from forgetting how to enter the car. Patience and simple directions may be enough to diffuse the situation. Seat your client in the rear passenger-side seat so that the steering wheel is out of reach and he is not directly behind you. This way you can avoid being startled from behind when you are driving. If your car has child safety locks, it’s always a good idea to have them on – allowing the rear door to be opened only from the outside. This will ensure that the door cannot be opened by your client while the car is moving. There are also seat belt buckle guards. A Child Resistant Seat Belt Buckle Guard – reduces the chance of a child unbuckling seat belt while vehicle is moving.