Training Module -- Managing Difficult Behaviors
Long-Term Care Intensive Train-the-Trainer Series on
Managing Difficult Behaviors
 |
 |
 |
Funded by the Michigan Department of Community Health Long-Term Care Initiative, the Wayne State University Institute of Gerontology, in partnership with Hospice of Michigan and Lutheran Social Services of Michigan, has developed a series of training modules on managing difficult behaviors in persons with dementia.
The training modules consist of Microsoft Powerpoint slide shows for presentation and Microsoft Word documents for printing. Those interested in obtaining the Managing Difficult Behaviors training modules may fill out and submit the application form to request copies, which will be sent free of charge via e-mail to educators.
There are six modules in the series:
Putting the Person First in Dementia Care – In this module, experiencing dementia is explored. Topics include the importance of focusing on a person's remaining strengths and abilities rather than what they cannot do, and why a person's life story is so important when providing care.
The Environment – People with dementia depend on a predictable environment to function at their best. When the environment has confusing cues or distractions, challenging situations can occur. This module explores some of the factors related to the environment that contribute to challenging situations. Topics discussed include possible causes for wandering and sleeplessness, and how a caregiver's approach can affect the situation. Activities for providing stimulation in the environment are also discussed.
Enhancing the Bathing Experience – For many people with dementia and their caregivers, a bath or shower can be a painful and unpleasant experience. This module explores why the bathing experience can be so stressful. Topics discussed include the different factors involved and strategies that can make the encounter more pleasant for everyone.
Assisting a Person with Dementia with Activities of Daily Living – Assisting a person with activities of daily living can be challenging for care providers. This module examines why activities of daily living are so important to the person with dementia. Various factors associated with an activity and its influences on positive and negative occurrence are discussed.
Mealtimes and the Person with Dementia – Meals are a health promoting activity that can be managed. If a person is withdrawn or under stress during meals, weight loss, depression malnutrition can occur. Activities around dining time can be very stressful. This is a setting where many people with dementia become anxious and challenging situations occur. This module communicates the importance of mealtime. Various factors are identified and strategies are discerned for caregivers to make mealtime more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Meeting the Challenges of Catastrophic Reactions – One of the most challenging aspects of care is maintaining control when a person with dementia becomes combative. This module looks at emotions expressed by the person with dementia and reviews approaches for preventing catastrophic reactions.
The Environment – People with dementia depend on a predictable environment to function at their best. When the environment has confusing cues or distractions, challenging situations can occur. This module explores some of the factors related to the environment that contribute to challenging situations. Topics discussed include possible causes for wandering and sleeplessness, and how a caregiver's approach can affect the situation. Activities for providing stimulation in the environment are also discussed.
Enhancing the Bathing Experience – For many people with dementia and their caregivers, a bath or shower can be a painful and unpleasant experience. This module explores why the bathing experience can be so stressful. Topics discussed include the different factors involved and strategies that can make the encounter more pleasant for everyone.
Assisting a Person with Dementia with Activities of Daily Living – Assisting a person with activities of daily living can be challenging for care providers. This module examines why activities of daily living are so important to the person with dementia. Various factors associated with an activity and its influences on positive and negative occurrence are discussed.
Mealtimes and the Person with Dementia – Meals are a health promoting activity that can be managed. If a person is withdrawn or under stress during meals, weight loss, depression malnutrition can occur. Activities around dining time can be very stressful. This is a setting where many people with dementia become anxious and challenging situations occur. This module communicates the importance of mealtime. Various factors are identified and strategies are discerned for caregivers to make mealtime more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Meeting the Challenges of Catastrophic Reactions – One of the most challenging aspects of care is maintaining control when a person with dementia becomes combative. This module looks at emotions expressed by the person with dementia and reviews approaches for preventing catastrophic reactions.
For more information about the Managing Difficult Behaviors training modules, please e-mail Dr. Jennifer Mendez at jmendez@wayne.edu.