Managing problem behaviors associated with dementia.
The older adult with dementia who exhibits problem behaviors is likely to be experiencing physical or psychological distress. Both can negatively affect the health, rehabilitation, and quality of life for the older adult. Managing problem behaviors can challenge the skills of the most experienced nurse. Being able to identify the origins of these behaviors can help caregivers respond in a way that will achieve behavioral management and preserve the dignity of the older adult. This article presents some practical measures to assist nurses with minimizing the negative effects of dementia-associated problem behaviors in older adults.
Remington
Ruth
R
University of Massachusetts Lowell, USA.
Abdallah
Lisa
L
Melillo
Karen Devereaux
KD
Flanagan
Jane
J
D000368:Aged; D001155:Art Therapy; D003704:Dementia / Q000150:complications* / Q000451:nursing / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004779:Environment Design; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D006293:Health Promotion; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008568:Memory; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000458:organization & administration; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D019145:Rehabilitation Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012944:Social Support; D014110:Touch