MANAGEMENT OF VERBALLY DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIORS IN NURSING-HOME RESIDENTS

Background. Verbally disruptive behaviors (VDB) are verbal or vocal be haviors that are inappropriate to the circumstances in which they are manifested. These behaviors are a source of concern because they distu rb persons around the older person and may be an indicator of distress . Methods. Three interventions were tried and compared to a control no -intervention phase. The interventions were: (1) Presentation of a vid eotape of a family member talking to the older person, (2) in vivo soc ial interaction, and (3) use of music. Results. Thirty-two nursing hom e residents suffering from dementia and manifesting VDB were observed before, during, and after the interventions, and the duration of VDB w as recorded. The behaviors decreased by 56% during the social interact ion, 46% during the videotape, 31% during the music, and 16% during th e no-intervention. Conclusions. The effects of the interventions were clinically and statistically significant, indicating the importance of providing stimulating activities and a richer environment to cognitiv ely impaired nursing home residents.