Transcript Communication and Validation Strategies for Residents with

Behavior Management
Techniques for
Residents with Dementia
Presented by HomeCare Rehab and
Nursing LLC
Challenging Behaviors
– Suspiciousness
• Memory loss
• Anxiety
• Confusion
– Uncooperativeness
– Loss of appropriate communication skills
• Privacy
• Loss of dignity
• Resentment about being told what to do
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Behavior Management
– Good Activities program
• Provides enjoyment
• Boosts self-esteem
• Provides stimulation
• Reduces attention seeking
– Positive nonverbal communication
• Soothing tone of voice
• Warmth, smile
• Non-hurried
• Gentle touch
– Structure, Routine, Consistency
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Challenging Behaviors
– Wandering
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Looking for something or someone- home
Restlessness
Anxiety
Pain
Confusion
Depression
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Challenging Behaviors
– Combativeness, agitation
• Loss of communication skills
• Fearful
• Confused
– Repetitive actions
• Pacing
• Asking the same question
• Desire for reassurance, socialization
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Behavior Management
– Observe for triggers
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Noisy atmosphere, certain staff or resident
Family visits
Discomfort, pain, hunger, toileting issues
Medication side-effects
– Modify Environment
• Allow for pacing (continuous hallway)
• Disguise exits
• Provide distractions, rummaging boxes, activities
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Challenging Behaviors
– Combative, aggressive behaviors
• Decreased interaction with environment
– Hypersensitive to touch
– Rigid posturing, resistant to movement
• Poor understanding of task
– Shouting, banging, self-injury
• Internal/ self-stimulation
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Behavior Management
– Limit distractions and noise
– Music, massage, exercise
– Follow their lead…Seeking stimulation?
Companionship? Reassurance? Comfort?
– Introduce touch slowly with soft voiceremember the visual field!
– Be ready to try new interventions if one
doesn’t work…try again later.
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Behavioral Interventions
for All Residents
Ask yourself:
• What is this person trying to tell me?
• What is the feeling beneath the behavior?
• Has anything changed?
FYI:
Approximately 90% of behaviors are triggered
by caregiver approach or something added to
or missing from the environment.
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