Understanding and Preventing Harmful Interactions Between Residents with Dementia

Front-line care workers now have access to a single source of practical tools to effectively address distressing and harmful interactions between residents with dementia, resulting in psychological harm, physical injuries, and even death. This book provides psychosocial strategies to prevent and de-escalate these incidents, improving resident and staff well-being and reducing costs.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 29 October 2021
Publisher: Health Professions Press,U.S.

For the first time, healthcare professionals working at the forefront of dementia care have access to a comprehensive and practical toolkit to effectively address distressing and harmful interactions between residents. This prevalent but often overlooked public health issue in long-term care facilities has severe consequences, including psychological harm, physical injuries, and even death. By examining the potential outcomes and manifestations of these behavioral expressions, readers gain insights into identifying the contributing factors, causes, unmet needs, and triggering events that commonly lead to these episodes. With a strong emphasis on person-centered care practices, this book provides a wealth of psychosocial strategies for preventing and de-escalating harmful incidents before, during, and after they occur. This invaluable resource will serve as a valuable tool for training programs for direct care staff, interdisciplinary teams, and long-term care administrators. In addition to the financial benefits resulting from reduced resident-to-resident incidents, care providers will witness significant improvements in the well-being of residents and staff.

Introduction:
Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, cognitive function, and behavior. It is a significant public health problem, particularly in long-term care facilities, where residents with dementia often experience distressing and harmful interactions with their peers. These interactions can lead to psychological harm, physical injuries, and even death.

Consequences of Harmful Interactions:
The consequences of harmful interactions between residents with dementia are profound. Psychological harm includes feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, which can negatively impact the quality of life of individuals with dementia. Physical injuries can occur as a result of aggressive behavior, falls, or other accidents. In extreme cases, death can occur due to severe physical harm or neglect.

Under-Recognized Public Health Problem:
Despite the prevalence of harmful interactions between residents with dementia, they are often under-recognized as a public health problem. This is partly due to the complexity of the issue and the lack of comprehensive training and resources for healthcare professionals working in long-term care facilities.

Need for Comprehensive Tools:
To address this issue, there is a need for comprehensive tools that provide healthcare professionals with practical strategies to effectively manage harmful interactions between residents with dementia. This book aims to fill this gap by offering a comprehensive set of practical tools and strategies to help healthcare professionals prevent and de-escalate harmful incidents.

Contributing Factors:
Several factors contribute to harmful interactions between residents with dementia. These include cognitive decline, sensory impairments, mood disorders, and environmental factors. Understanding these factors is essential for developing effective strategies to prevent and manage these interactions.

Identifying Triggering Events:
Identifying the triggering events that lead to harmful interactions is crucial for preventing future incidents. Triggering events can include changes in routine, sensory overload, unfamiliar situations, or unmet needs. By recognizing these triggers, healthcare professionals can develop personalized strategies to prevent or de-escalate harmful incidents.

Person-Directed Care Practices:
Person-directed care practices are an important aspect of preventing and managing harmful interactions between residents with dementia. These practices involve creating a supportive and nurturing environment that promotes the well-being and dignity of individuals with dementia. This includes providing personalized care, engaging in meaningful activities, and addressing individual needs and preferences.

Psychosocial Strategies:
Numerous psychosocial strategies can be used to prevent and de-escalate harmful interactions between residents with dementia. These strategies include active listening, non-verbal communication, redirecting behavior, and providing sensory stimulation. By implementing these strategies, healthcare professionals can create a safe and supportive environment for residents with dementia.

Conclusion:
Harmful interactions between residents with dementia are a significant public health problem that can have severe consequences. By providing healthcare professionals with comprehensive tools and strategies, this book aims to help prevent and manage these interactions, promoting the well-being and dignity of individuals with dementia. It is essential to recognize the importance of early intervention and person-centered care practices in addressing this issue.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 255 x 178 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781938870521