yelling and screaming-Developing a care plan: Management of Behavioral Symptoms

Assess for triggers: Determine if the yelling and screaming is a result of over-stimulation, boredom, or too little stimulation. Try to eliminate or lessen the cause as much as possible.

Give the resident something to eat or drink, such as hard candy (if not contraindicated by dietary/dysphagia concerns). This can help to redirect the resident's attention and provide sensory stimulation.

Distract the resident through conversation or activity. Engage the resident in a simple task or activity, such as folding laundry or listening to music, to redirect their attention away from the trigger and reduce the intensity of the behavior.

Provide comfort through touch, music, or comfort objects. Physical touch, such as a gentle pat on the back or holding the resident's hand, can provide comfort and reassurance. Playing calming music or providing a comfort object, such as a stuffed animal or blanket, may also be helpful.

Use a calm and reassuring tone of voice. Speak slowly and calmly, using short and simple sentences, to communicate with the resident.

Offer positive reinforcement. Praise the resident for any positive behavior or for calming down.

Plan for long-term management. Work with the care team and family to develop a long-term plan to manage the behavior, which may include environmental modifications, sensory stimulation, and staff training. Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions and make adjustments as needed.