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The Falls Management Program

Table 6. Basic Behavior Management Skills

Know the Resident. Know what the resident likes and does not like, past behaviors, family history, habits and customs, past interests, and at least three things that bring the resident comfort.

Be sure to depersonalize the resident's behavior. Remember that the behavioral symptom is caused by the resident's condition. Don't let the behavior be a trigger for you.

Use good communication skills to approach the resident and give a clear message.

  1. Approach
    • Be positive.
    • Stay neutral.
    • Remain calm.
    • Stay flexible.
  2. Verbal Message
    • Identify yourself.
    • Talk slowly.
    • Use simple words.
    • Use one step commands.
    • Put sentences in positive terms.
    • Use Validation Therapy by responding to the resident's feelings.
  3. Nonverbal Message
    • Make eye contact.
    • Get at resident's level.
    • Match actions to words.
    • Move slowly.

Match the Demands of Caregiving to the Patient's Abilities. Watch for signs of increasing anxiety. When resident's anxiety increases, slow down, re-explain, reassure, or return later.

  1. Provide a routine each day.
  2. Schedule periods of physical activity.
  3. Provide times of rest.
  4. Use the staff member with the best relationship with the resident to give care when possible.
  5. Break down complex tasks into single steps.
  6. Show the resident how to begin an action.
  7. Simplify clothing fasteners.
  8. Give as much control to the resident as possible.
  9. Give rewards.
  10. Use distraction.
  11. Instead of using force, return later and try a different approach.
  12. Anticipate the resident's needs.
  13. Provide opportunities for touch through hugging and holding hands with others. Provide contact with animals, gardening, or objects with different textures and shapes.
  14. Make sure resident wears hearing or visual aids.
  15. Use activity boxes or reminiscence boxes.

Use environmental management to keep the resident safe, to help control the resident's behavior and to reduce the effects of other residents' behaviors.

  • Label the resident's door, bathroom, or other areas to help resident locate areas. Use black and white pictures at the wheelchair level when necessary.
  • Reduce distractions of unattended TVs, intercoms, or other background noise. Put easily confused residents in small groups for eating or activities. Put residents who are sensitive to noise in quieter rooms. Use soothing music.
  • Provide safe outdoor areas for walking and propelling wheelchairs.

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