Behaviors of nursing home residents with dementia: examining nurse responses

Christine R Kovach, Sheryl T Kelber, Michelle R Simpson, Thelma Wells

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

It is challenging for nurses to understand and respond to behaviors expressed by individuals with dementia. Nurses in this study responded to behaviors in 4 discrete ways--with no treatment, treatment without assessment, repetitive use of ineffective treatments, and with comprehensive assessment followed by treatment. Using ineffective treatments and treating without assessing were associated with recurrence of behaviors. This study suggests there is a need for more assessment and critical thinking when addressing behavior change in individuals with dementia.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalJournal of Gerontological Nursing
StatusPublished - Jun 1 2006

Keywords

  • Aged
  • 80 and over
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Clinical Competence
  • Dementia
  • Education
  • Nursing
  • Continuing
  • Female
  • Geriatric Assessment
  • Geriatric Nursing
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Humans
  • Inservice Training
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders
  • Mental Status Schedule
  • Midwestern United States
  • Nurse's Role
  • Nursing Assessment
  • Nursing Audit
  • Nursing Evaluation Research
  • Nursing Homes
  • Nursing Staff
  • Patient Care Planning
  • Regression Analysis

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