Direct Caregiving: Management of Behavioral Symptoms

Match the demands that staff and others place on the resident to that person's ability to respond: It's important to tailor care and activities to the resident's individual abilities and needs, in order to avoid overwhelming or frustrating them.

Schedule a predictable routine: Establishing a regular routine can help the resident feel more secure and in control, and can reduce the risk of behavioral symptoms.

Schedule periods of physical activity: Physical activity can help reduce agitation and promote relaxation, but it's important to match the level and duration of activity to the resident's abilities.

Provide sufficient rest: Ensuring that the resident gets adequate rest can help reduce stress and promote a more positive mood.

Provide visual or hearing aides if needed: Assisting the resident with visual or hearing impairments can help reduce frustration and promote engagement.

Break down complex care into single steps: Simplifying care tasks into smaller, manageable steps can help the resident feel less overwhelmed and more able to participate.

Provide chances for success: Offering opportunities for the resident to experience success and accomplishment can help boost their mood and reduce behavioral symptoms.

Remain flexible, giving the resident as much control as possible: Allowing the resident to have a sense of control over their care and activities can help reduce anxiety and promote engagement.

Limit distraction during care or activity: Minimizing distractions during care or activities can help the resident focus and stay engaged, reducing the risk of behavioral symptoms.

Give positive reinforcement to any attempt at cooperation: Offering praise and positive feedback for the resident's cooperation can help build their self-esteem and promote a more positive mood.

Distract resident during an activity that causes a behavioral symptom: Redirecting the resident's attention to a more enjoyable or calming activity can help reduce the risk of behavioral symptoms.

Never force a resident to do anything when they will not cooperate: It's important to respect the resident's autonomy and avoid using physical or verbal coercion, which can increase stress and frustration.

Anticipate needs during care: Being proactive and anticipating the resident's needs can help reduce stress and promote a more positive mood.