THE SIX “R’s” OF BEHAVIORAL MANAGEMENT

THE SIX “R’s” OF BEHAVIORAL MANAGEMENT with someone with Dementia

– from The 36-Hour Day

1) RESTRICT

Don’t

• Raise your voice
• Confront
• Criticize
• Try to discuss the angry behavior
• Initiate physical contact during angry outburst
• Ignore
• Shame or ridicule the person

2) REASSESS

Look at the environment

• Has the environment changed?
• Was the individual taken from his/her routine?
• Did something trigger a catastrophic event in that individual’s life?
• Is a familiar face missing?
• Is the individual trying to communicate something? Watch for gestures, personality changes, and facial expressions
• Yelling, crying may be signals of distress
• Watch for physical problems – holding stomach, limping, touching forehead (headache), etc.

3) RECONSIDER

Get in their world. Live with them for the moment. Ask yourself how things must seem from their point of view.

4) RECHANNEL (REDIRECT)

• Distract the patient to a more pleasurable topic or activity
• Be Positive
• Instead of

“You can’t do that…”

Try: “Let’s try this…”

5) REASSURE

• Be calm and soothing
• Use touch…hands, hugs, gestures, smiles.. for comfort

6) REVIEW

• Look for patterns in the aggression – keep a log
• What did you learn from this experience?
• How did you respond to it?
• What did you do right and what might you do next time?

For further information on Behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s or dementia, please contact Alzheimer’s Services at (225) 334-7494 or (800) 548-1211, 3772 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806, www.alzbr.org.