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I was reading a form that discussed this, but when I tried to print it, it had changed to something else. Does anyone know the name of that discussion, which seemed to have many good ideas, or thoughts, that I could pass on to his wife. Thank you.

Advice? Your sil needs to protect herself as your brother has become violent. Next time he does she can call 911 to have him removed and assessed. His dr should be informed and may have some meds that will help. it sounds like it is time for him to be placed in a facility where he has 24/7 professional care.
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Reply to golden23
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Violence cannot be tolerated no matter how sick they are or how much she loves him. It's very sad, but violence must be taken seriously EVERY TIME. That's Rule #1 in the Caregiver's Book of 697 Commandments (which does not actually exist but should). There are many good suggestions on this site; read and heed.

The main problem when violence starts is denial. We don't want to believe it is happening because then we should do something about it. We cannot understand how a mild-mannered loved one could turn on us and try to cause us harm. We think it's only temporary, as in "He only has a little bit of dementia, he'll be okay tomorrow." We think we can cope because we can't admit that we've failed at the Happy Happy Home Caregiving that we've been promised in countless articles and books that encouraged us to care for our Lovey Lovey Loved Ones in their home until they day they die (or we do, which might be before them due to the strain of it all).

It's a huge mind switch that SIL and everyone in this situation must make in order to provide the best care for the violent loved one and to save ourselves. Some caregivers aren't that flexible. They've promised Mumsy they'll never place her in One Of Those Horrible Places. Or Hubby that she'll change his diapers until the day he dies, even though eventually he's slinging those poopy diapers at HER.

Those who become violent can't help it. It is part of the disease. But no caregiver is required to endure abusive behavior. We ARE required to find a place where professionals trained in the proper techniques can provide the care our loved ones need. No home caregiver - unless professionally trained and experienced - can come near providing the care that an institution provides. And that is the difficult but honest truth.
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Reply to Fawnby
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Animallovers Dec 5, 2025
Very well said!
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The solutions are medication and a facility.

As others have suggested, she needs to call 911 the very next time he gets aggressive (whether or not he hits her). At the ER they will hopefully 5150 admit him. She needs to make it clear he is an unsafe discharge and refuse to take him home. Ask to talk to the hospital social worker regarding direct transition into a facility.
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Reply to Geaton777
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She cannot stop his dangerous behaviors. And she can't predict what he will do next.
The best thing for them both now would be placement in a memory care facility.
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Reply to CaringWifeAZ
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That’s a very difficult situation… unfortunately not much can be done other than medication. (I speak from experience). Please know that if the police are called and he gets violent with them the consequences could be dire. As others suggested his doctor must be contacted asap so he can prescribe the appropriate medication. Best of luck to you
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Reply to MarieRiv
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She can’t be coping if accepting any u abusing behaviour
she needs to contact his doctor and explain
if it’s a medical issue then get it treated if not I’m sure the doctor has come across this before and should gave where to refer her to
The lines been drawn
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Reply to Jenny10
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If you type ‘violence’ after clicking the magnifying glass symbol at the top right of the screen, you will find a large number of old discussions about this. At the very least, it will stop her from feeling alone!
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Reply to MargaretMcKen
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As recommended below, the wife needs to call 911 and tell them that he has developed a pattern of violence, that it's not just a one-time episode.
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Reply to MG8522
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It may not be safe for your SIL to care for her hubby in home any more. There are certain dementias that have a whole lot of acting out. There are levels of acting out and only your SIL knows what is going on in their home. I think if this is new behavior there should first be a visit to MD for discussion. A UTI could be involved. There might be a need for mild anti-anxiety meds or anti-depressant meds.

HOWEVER in any situation that implies bodily harm sister needs to call 911 at once. When the EMTs arrive she should say she was attacked and is in fear for her life or for injury to self; that she needs him taken to ER for evaluation. I think she should NOT accompany the ambulance. That will see them piling him back into a cab with her and sending both home. She should stay by her phone and demand he be admitted to neuro-psyc for evaluation, and communicate with social services.

You may be looking at a situation where it isn't safe for bro to remain home; he may need memory care of other placement. I am so sorry. This has to be terribly distressing for all involved. I hope you'll update us.
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