Dealing with dementia residents

TheGooch · Nov 4, 2014

At the least, perhaps this can serve as a wake up call to management that more training on how to care for dementia residents is needed.

Most places are understaffed so they can save money. Training is not a priority. They just stick them where ever they need the help regardless of their experience.

proud nurse, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2014

Most places are understaffed so they can save money. Training is not a priority. They just stick them where ever they need the help regardless of their experience.

That is very true, which was why I was surprised the facility sent us to this 2 day paid training that served breakfast, lunch and snacks. But our unit was taking residents with such advanced stages of dementia and it was apparent that additional training was necessary. One good thing I can say about my former employer was that our dementia care unit was well staffed with quality/qualified people after the training sessions.

litbitblack, ASN, RN · Nov 11, 2014

Its hard to say without knowing details about why you were sent home. I can say dealing with dementia residents can be trying and stressful and everyone can benefit from a little education on how to handle different types of situations at different stages of the disease. My facility is a certified dementia facility and that is all we do. We utilize educational materials from the Alzheimers Association ect as well as Teepa Snow. She is an excellent resource for learning how to interact with dementia residents in all stages of the disease process and you can find some of her videos online.

psychgeribuff · Nov 11, 2014

I have worked with many dementia patients in ltc and psych. Another way to handle the situation in the future is to look at the patient state there name and say "please do not hurt me" once they let go or you are able to remove there hand gently walk away. This is called decreasing stimulation and I have found to be the best intervention in a violent situation with dementia.

ktwlpn, LPN · Nov 11, 2014

I would love to hear more of the OP's story but it looks like another "hit and run"

BuffaloNurse716 · Nov 16, 2014

Wow. First off, LTC is usually short staffed so the fact that they'd send you home and provide care with one less nurse is very strange to me. If said in a professional and respectable manner, you're statement is appropriate. You were recognizing the inappropriate behavior and responding in a matter of fact way, representing the issue at hand. You did not allow or ignore the behavior. Does this resident usually display behavioral issues? Were you arguing loudly or becoming frustrated in front of other residents or family members? If the resident (demented or not) showed dislike towards you they shouldve just had you care for other residents until further investigation.

alt_one · Nov 16, 2014

Arguing with a resident is inappropriate. I will tell a resident that their behavior is inappropriate if they try to punch, kick, injure someone, or are verbally abusive. If they respond appropriately I will sit beside them and talk about it. If they don't respond appropriately(which is most of my dementia patients) I try to redirect by talking about something else. The secret is to know your residents. I have some that I would never bend over and try to do something without making sure they know I am there. Even then you must always be aware that their demeanor can change quickly. I tell my staff "No means no" and "Leave me alone means leave me alone". Their responsibility is to make sure the resident is in a safe position and to update me. Most of the time you can leave them alone for a little while and revisit them. I probably would not have sent you home. I might have swapped out the assignments so you did not have that resident for the rest of the day.