Question
How do you deal with challenging behaviors in this population and is the nursing staff responsive to your suggestions?
Answer
As the course just outlined there are many ways to deal with challenging behaviors. One of the most important ways is to establish specific routines based on your observations of how the client responds to specific stimuli. If Mrs. Smith gets very agitated during the dinner hour, a good routine for her might be to sit in a quiet area with some soft music. This might facilitate her eating, while decreasing her agitation.
Sometimes the nursing staff is very accepting of this type of strategy and is very client centered in their approach. Others may need to be shown the strategies that you are recommending, and once they see the difference they can make, they are usually supportive as well.
Establishing routines based on the individual's needs is a good strategy to use anywhere when dealing with dementia.
