Managing Dementia Related Behaviors

Dementia related behaviors, common in nursing home residents, can be a severe burden to the staff. Effectively managing them improves functionality and the quality of life for patients and staff.

The first step is to understand the DRB you are dealing with and why it occurs. The behavior, which can involve kicking, hitting, biting and scratching at specific times, can be caused by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, from physical and psychological diseases to environmental factors like light and heat.

Treating DRB involves early intervention and distracting and redirecting a person from the behavior while maintaining the resident’s dignity and respect.

Medication is frequently required, although medication for the treatment of DRB is FDA approved. Nursing homes follow state guidelines for psychotherapeutic medications, including antipsychotics, antidepressants and mood stabilizers. In many cases, pain medication should be the first tried and beta blockers, estrogens and cognitive enhancement drugs have also been tried.

Educate your staff to make sure they understand the behavior and drug management techniques that can be used to treat DRB.