Behavioral Intensive Care Unit (BICU): a new concept in the management of acute agitated behavior in elderly demented patients

Intensive care units were developed in response to the perceived need for increased monitoring in critically ill medical patients. The same principle applies to elderly patients with severe agitated behaviors. These patients can be served by the Geriatric Behavioral Intensive Care Unit (BICU). The uniqueness of the program results from the application of a behavioral and environmental approach to the treatment of agitated behavior. The underlying strategy in the treatment process is to enhance the patient's ability to adapt to his or her home environment. Preliminary results have been encouraging, showing positive outcomes in diverse areas such as low level of institutional placement, patient quality of life, and caregiver symptoms of burden and depression.