Caring for People with Challenging Behaviors

The newly revised edition of this popular resource provides caregiving staff with easy-to-understand and powerfully effective ways to prevent, reduce, or eliminate the challenging behaviors of care recipients. Nearly 80% of long-term care residents exhibit some level of difficult behaviors stemming from a wide range of factors including depression, personal distress, declining physical function, or dementia. Care staff will learn how to use this book’s proven intervention tools and strategies to identify and satisfy the basic human needs that underlie challenging behaviors, as well as encourage and reinforce positive behaviors.With detailed vignettes illustrating the successful implementation of each recommended technique for addressing common challenging resident behaviors, this new edition also focuses on empowering caregivers to cope with the stress of their roles. Presented in a user-friendly style for anyone working in long-term care settings, this book serves as both a self-study tool and a resource for in-service training.Resources for staff include:Downloadable handouts that summarize core content as well as strategies and models for intervention.Exercises that help staff put concepts into practice.Intervention and behavior tracking forms.Stress-management techniques that help staff with their own reactions to challenging resident behavior.A 5-step treatment plan using a preventative approach.Whether used as a self-help tool, a curriculum for in-services, a training guide for students, or a reference for mental health professionals, Caring for People with Challenging Behaviors, Second Edition is an essential read for anyone working in long-term care. The simple and practical techniques presented will raise the quality of life for care recipients and can transform the overall culture of care.NEW to the second edition!New chapter on the benefits of advance directives over behavior contracts.More intervention strategies and stress-management techniques.Downloadable exercises, forms, posters, and 40 handouts.Additional case studies and instructional displays.2015 National Mature Media Award (Merit Award Winner)