Hostile or aggressive behavior: verbal or physical response such as shoving, hitting, name calling, or pushing. Music, touch, etc. to distract; ignore the behavior; remove individual from the area. Paranoid or delusional behavior: person misinterprets what he/she sees or hears. Consult with physician about possible hallucinations; offer an answer; if not harmful, allow the behavior; distract. Recognition difficulties: inability to recognize people, places, and things. Clarify briefly and simply; show photos and other reminders; suggest instead of correct; re-orient frequently; play along. Anxiety and agitation: exhibited by restlessness, pacing, or fixation on something. Use reassurance; engage person in an activity; modify environment. Sleep disturbances: person sleeps too much or too little and at inappropriate times. Limit caffeine; shorten naps; regular exercise; toileting; possible pain; sleep aid medication, warm milk, etc. Catastrophic reactions: person suddenly cries, becomes agitated, angry, or resistant. Distract: do not reason or react to threats; modify the environment; remove weapons or other dangerous objects in area Inappropriate sexual behavior: person makes inappropriate advances or masturbates in an inappropriate place or manner. Distract; find an alternate activity; gently redirect to an appropriate place. Incontinence: person is unable to control bowels or bladder; may not understand where the toilet is or how to use it. Monitor person's diet; assist person in using the bathroom at regular intervals; use verbal and/or physical cues as needed; place signs as indicators on bathroom doors; when using public restroom - ask for assistance, use and "out-of-order" sign. Eating difficulties: person is unable to understand how to handle, chew, or swallow. Provide regular mealtimes; prepare foods the person likes; pre-cut food; allow sufficient time to eat; give verbal cues or physical assistance as needed; try finger foods; allow one item at a time; minimize snacks; use spill-proof cups/straws. Bathing difficulties: person does not desire or understand the bathing process. Allow person to make decisions - however simple; be aware of water temperature; explain that "the doctor" (or other authority) says it's important. Wandering: person persistently attempts to leave room or environment. Have a current ID bracelet; put person's name or familiar pictures in room; "child-safe" plastic door knobs; put away "going out" items; use barriers such as a curtain or sign on the door; sliding bolt at floor level; do not use restraints. |