Managing Problem Behaviors of Elderly Patients

Professional as well as nonprofessional staff who work with the elderly in nursing homes must be reminded repeatedly that most problem behaviors are symptoms of such underlying problems as unresolved conflicts, the loss of normal, appropriate life roles, and the anticipation of illness and death. The author describes how those problems are reflected in such "senile" behaviors as incoherence, incontinence, ritualism, and inappropriate sexual behaviors. She believes the concept of personality regression under stress is a useful frame-work for helping staff understand and manage such behaviors. She illustrates how nonprofessional staff can help patients achieve a more satisfactory adjustment by using certain behavior modification techniques, by role-playing, and by identifying feelings responsible for problem behaviors and helping patients ventilate them.