Communication: Management of Behavioral Symptoms

1. Approach resident with a positive attitude: It's important to approach the resident with a positive attitude, which can help create a calm and reassuring environment. This can help reduce the risk of escalating the situation or causing further agitation.

2. Validate feelings, not information: It's important to validate the resident's feelings, even if the information they are expressing may not be accurate. By acknowledging their emotions and feelings, you can help create a sense of trust and understanding.

3. Identify self by name, role, and function: It's important to introduce yourself and let the resident know your name, role, and function. This can help create a sense of familiarity and trust.

4. Speak slowly and give time for resident to respond: It's important to speak slowly and clearly, and to give the resident time to respond. This can help ensure that the resident understands what you are saying and has enough time to process their response.

5. Use simple sentences, concrete images, and short words: It's important to use simple language, concrete images, and short words that the resident understands. This can help ensure that the resident can follow what you are saying and can communicate effectively.

6. Use a normal tone of voice: It's important to use a normal tone of voice, which can help create a calming and reassuring environment. This can help reduce the risk of escalating the situation or causing further agitation.

7. Put sentences in positive terms: It's important to put sentences in positive terms, which can help create a sense of optimism and hope. This can help create a more positive and reassuring environment.

8. Do not offer unnecessary choices: It's important to avoid offering unnecessary choices, which can create confusion and increase agitation. Instead, try to provide clear guidance and direction.

9. Fill in the blanks when a resident is unable to complete a sentence: It's important to fill in the blanks when a resident is unable to complete a sentence or express a thought. This can help create a sense of understanding and ensure that the resident's needs are being met.

10. Use nonverbal communication: It's important to use nonverbal communication, such as touch, eye contact, and facial expressions, to convey empathy and support. This can help create a more positive and reassuring environment.

11. Use distraction techniques: If a resident becomes agitated or upset, it can be helpful to use distraction techniques or redirect their attention to a different activity or topic. This can help reduce the risk of escalating the situation.

12. Avoid arguing or contradicting the resident: It's important to avoid arguing or contradicting the resident, as this can escalate the situation and increase agitation. Instead, try to remain calm and reassuring.

13. Use active listening skills: It's important to use active listening skills, such as paraphrasing and summarizing, to show that you are interested in and understanding the resident's perspective. This can help create a sense of empathy and understanding.

14. Provide reassurance and comfort: It's important to provide reassurance and comfort when needed, such as through a gentle touch or soothing words. This can help create a sense of calm and reassurance.

15. Involve the resident in decision-making: To the extent possible, it can be helpful to involve the resident in decision-making, such as by offering limited choices or asking for their preferences. This can help create a sense of control and autonomy.

16. Document interventions and changes: It's important to document any behavioral symptoms and your interventions, as well as any changes in the resident's condition. This can help inform future care and communication strategies.

Regenerate response