subject: Reducing Agitation in Residents With Dementia [print this page] Reducing Agitation in Residents With Dementia
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia affecting older adults, with over five million Americans affected. As a result, there are a growing number of residents with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses in long-term care facilities.
Though there is no cure, there are currently 98 medicines in development for treatment of dementia and Alzheimer's, according to a report released by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). If medical progress toward a cure is not made, costs to treat the disease are expected to rise to $1.08 trillion by 2050, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Today, there are only five FDA-approved drugs for treating Alzheimer's patients.
Dementia can affect people's ability to understand information and make their needs known. This can result in confusion, irritation, stubbornness, or argumentative and verbally abusive behavior that challenges patients' caregivers.
It takes a special person to work in a long-term care facilitysomeone who has patience, respect, and a deep sense of caring. There are rewards in meeting the needs of long-term care residents, but there are also frustrations and challenges to overcome. By following the guidelines below, you can help reduce agitation in residents with dementia.
Approach with care. We all might feel uncomfortable when people get too close to us, and the residents in your care are no exception. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease are especially sensitive to nonverbal cues. Respect their needs for personal space. If you are going to touch someone, first tell him what you are going to do. Smile reassuringly and use gentle touch to calm the resident.
Be aware of your paraverbal communication. Paraverbal communication is the tone, volume, rate, and rhythm of your speech. Similar statements can have completely different meanings based on the paraverbals used. Be sure your paraverbal communication is consistent with the message you want to send.
Call the person by name and introduce yourself. Remind the resident of who you are. If you ask the resident to identify you, you may increase her frustration and agitation.
Keep it short and simple. Give directives one step at a time. State what you want the person to do, and show him at the same time. It may take up to 30 seconds for a person with dementia to process the information you have given.
Don't argue with the resident. Try to understand how the person is feeling rather than argue the facts of a situation. Often, fear and confusion are the causes of behavior.
Be flexible. Offer choices when possible and try to remember personal preferences. When you encounter resistance, try to take a different approach.
While these suggestions can't eliminate all agitated behavior, they can go a long way toward calming residents in your care.
