VOCALLY DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOUR (VDB) IN THE OLDER ADULT WITH DEMENTIA

It has been established that institutionalized older adults with dementia frequently exhibit a variety of disruptive behaviours that present a challenge to staff to manage and can be stressful to other residents and family members. The most disturbing and challenging of these behaviours that have been identified are those described as vocally disruptive behaviour. Over the last 20 years, researchers have begun to focus on vocally disruptive behaviour in the older adult with dementia with the goal of defining and describing the behaviour as well as examining management interventions. Little is known, however, about the knowledge, perceptions and available interventions for informal caregivers of older adults with dementia with VDB living in long term care (LTC). A teaching and support program was developed and delivered to the informal caregivers based on an assessment of their knowledge and perception. A focus group was then held with the participants to evaluate the teaching and support package and provide suggestions regarding the format and the content. And these suggestions were then included in the teaching and support package.

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Michelle has over 20 years of nursing experience and holds advanced degrees in Gerontology, specializing in Dementia care, Diabetes and Wound care. Michelle has worked in a variety of healthcare settings and is considered a leading expert in her field. She lives in the country with her loving husband Gerry and their cat Harley.