Noise in the nursing home: A case study of relationship change

Abstract

“Disruptive” vocal behaviour is common in nursing homes, but presents significant management challenges. Non-pharmacological approaches have been found to be effective and preferable interventions in such situations. A case study is presented of an 85-year-old woman who displayed frequent screaming and calling out during personal care assistance that, while apparently not distressing to her, was distressing to staff and other residents. A straightforward behavioural intervention targeted at changing staff behaviour resulted in dramatic change, with concomitant improvement in the staff-resident relationship. The case illustrates the unique and effective input Clinical Psychologists can provide to Older Adult services and nursing homes.

Keywords:

• Behaviour problem
• dementia
• noise
• non-pharmacological interventions
• nursing home
• older adult
• residential setting
• screaming
• verbal agitation

Notes

1. The case described in this paper presents work conducted by the author at ElderHealth, MidCentral Health, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

2. The intervention was not introduced to weekend caregiving staff until the second week of the intervention, and thus there was no data for Days 10 and 11.