What To Do When Nothing Else Works

Hello everyone, You’ve tried distractions, music, walking, going outside, changing caregivers and adjusting schedules. Nothing seems to work with this resident who consistently has challenging behaviors related to dementia. Some caregivers may even tell you that they can’t handle the person anymore. What do you do? The answer may just be—YOU. You may be the […]

Combating combative behavior

Here’s a short and sweet—and very practical—tidbit that one of our intervention nurses shared: In the past when staff have exhausted all approaches/interventions to stop or decrease a resident with combative behavior, I have cut a pool noodle in half or thirds and had the resident hold it in each hand.  I’ve also given the […]

Best practice: Oral care

Oral care is extremely important for everyone, and older adults are no exception. Yet sometimes, after we help a behaviorally challenging resident get bathed and dressed, proper oral care can become an afterthought. It can also be one of the most difficult personal care activities to have a resident perform. Here are some tips to […]