Hello everyone, This week, we’d like to discuss how to approach a resident with challenging behaviors in a way that can result in more positive interactions between the caregiver and resident. For example, if a resident scratches, swears or tries to hit a nursing assistant while she is helping the resident with morning care, how […]
Tag: behavioral interventions
Addressing Resident-to-Resident Aggression
Hello everyone, “That Myrtle woman…she’s sitting in my chair! That’s where I sit for lunch. Get up you stupid woman. Get out of my chair!!” Sound familiar? Many older adults who move into long term care communities are moving from a home where they either lived alone or with a spouse. Suddenly, they are put […]
Wisdom from Experienced GNAs
Hello everyone, A good rule to follow when teaching (especially when time is limited) is to first determine what your audience already knows. This way, you can meet them where they are and not only save time, but clarify misinformation and learn what to focus on and expand upon. As one of the nurse facilitators […]
Pay Attention to Apathy
Hello everyone, “The squeaky wheel gets the oil” is a well-known proverb. In terms of challenging behaviors, the man running down the hall naked or the woman crying loudly at lunch generally get our attention more quickly than the quiet lady in room 101 who likes to keep to herself and “isn’t any trouble.” In […]
Detecting Delirium
Hello everyone, Dementia and old age are the strongest risk factors for delirium, a condition of acute confusion and rapid changes in brain function. It is important to distinguish delirium from behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, as delirium is a medical emergency that should be addressed immediately by the healthcare team. Delirium typically involves […]
If at first you don’t succeed…
Hello everyone, If at first you don’t succeed…well, you know the rest: Try, try again! How often do we ask residents to join us for exercise class or another activity, have them say “no”, and we say “ok” and move on to the next person. Then after a few no thank-you’s from them, we give […]
Small Steps Lead to Steady Success
Hello everyone, When we consider integrating changes to a philosophy of care it is important to remember that small, gradual changes can lead to more lasting success. Attempting to take on too much, too quickly can result in frustration or a feeling of being overwhelmed. When it comes to managing behavioral symptoms related to dementia, […]
Winning tidbits: suggestions from direct care workers
Hello everyone, Our friends at nursing home facilities in Pennsylvania have sent us some wonderful tidbits for our tidbit contest. We’ll share a few with you each week. To start, Kacie Szczech, a CNA at St. Mary’s Villa, has a great idea for residents who wander and like to take other people’s things. She suggests […]
Reducing inappropriate behaviors
Hello everyone, Since we recently received a question from one of our study participants about how to deal with sexually inappropriate behaviors exhibited by some residents with dementia, we thought we would address this in a tidbit to give you all some strategies for how to respond when this happens at your nursing home. This […]
Share your ideas with our care community- Tidbit suggestions
Hello everyone, Now that we’ve reviewed the four components of “DICE” for assessing and managing behavioral issues with residents who have BPSD, it’s your turn to show us how you have used this process in your own facility. Please send us a brief example of how you or your staff have used DICE when addressing a specific […]