Characterization of family-generated videotapes for the management of verbally disruptive behaviors

In this study, the authors examined the characteristics of family-generated videotapes used to manage the manifestation of verbally disruptive behavio rs (VDB) in nursing home residents. Videotapes prepared by the relatives of 30 verbally disruptive nursing home residents to be shown to residents wer e systematically observed and coded for content and mode of presentation. T he relationship between the videotapes' characteristics and their impact on the resident was studied The majority of the time in the videotape was spe nt talking about the past or present of the family, was characterized by an overall feeling of respect, and did not show great variability in the feat ures examined Videotapes coded as showing more love and those not talking a bout ;current events were associated with higher effectiveness in reducing VDB. This treatment proved to be an appropriate and rewarding avenue to inv olve family members in the care of their frail institutionalized elderly re latives.