Nursing Management of Disturbed Behaviour in Aged Care Facilities

DEPRESSION/ Mental Disorder
ASSESS AND TREAT PROBLEM
Overall Approach: SUPPORT THE PERSON – define the acute disorder
- instigate remedy a.s.a.p.
Definition: Depression is an abnormal emotional state characterised by exaggerated
feelings of sadness, worthlessness and hopelessness which are out of proportion with reality.
A Mental Disorder is a disturbance of emotional equilibrium manifested by maladaptive
behaviour & impaired functioning.
1. NURSING ASSESSMENT - question and describe - screening tools
2. OBTAIN HISTORY - previous, predisposing
3. DOCUMENT & REPORT TO MEDICAL OFFICER
4. OBSERVE PERSON FOR DETERIORATION - SUPPORT
5. Instigate aSupportive Communication & Care Techniques
DEMENTIA
ASSESS AND PLAN MANAGEMENT
Overall Approach: empathic support, modification
of communication and the environment.
Definition: Dementia is a clinical syndrome of organic origin, characterised by a slow
onset of decline in multiple cognitive functions, particularly intellect and memory,
which occur in clear consciousness and causes dysfunction in daily living.
1. MEDICAL diagnosis - most common, less common, small group
2. NURSING ASSESSMENT - deficits affecting behaviour
3. Instigate aSupportive Communication & Care Techniques
4. DOCUMENT and notify Med. Officer if ‘supportive communication and care
techniques’ are not successful