| Abstract: | Psychologists are often sought out by families or nursing home staff to develop intervention strategies for behavior problems in dementia patients. This article describes a systematic approach, or practical model, for developing these strategies. Variables that may contribute to behavior problems include comfort needs, assaultiveness, anger, patient's perceptions, activity involvement, triggers, patterns of escalation, personal history, caregiver interaction styles, and level of cognitive functioning. Each variable of this model is described in terms of key team members, relevant team dynamics, assessment, and intervention strategies. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
