Fresh look at complex care: how to deal with problem behavior in elderly care?

Care is becoming increasingly complex - a recurring theme we encounter in every podcast episode. People with dementia are living at home longer, which often means that they enter the nursing home in a more confused state. This often leads to misunderstood behavior, which makes caring for these residents even more challenging. Some residents literally tear the house down: aggressive behavior, throwing things across the room, or even attacking staff. How can we best deal with this complex care and better understand this behavior?

Where does the term 'problem behavior' come from?
Verenso deliberately chooses the term 'problem behaviour' instead of 'misunderstood behaviour'. It is not about blaming the person, but about behaviour that causes suffering or danger, both for the person himself and the environment. The goal? To reduce the suffering. This does not always have to be done through behavioural change; sometimes adjusting the environment or extra support for care providers is sufficient.

Approaching problem behavior differently - four things we can do differently:

1. Looking at behavioral changes differently

And don't immediately label deviant behavior as problem behavior. A resident who rummages through his closet in the afternoon may be busy with his own form of daytime activities. This misunderstood behavior does not have to be negative. The problem often lies in our interpretation of this behavior. The real question is: what does this person need? Sometimes reconsidering our definition of 'normal' is the first step to a better approach to problem behavior.

2. Dare to talk about what is difficult

Dealing with problem behavior starts with open communication. Be transparent about the challenges you encounter, such as aggression or sexually disinhibited behavior. Both the care team and the family have valuable insights. It is not about who is right, but about finding solutions together. And recognize that some things are just hard.

3. Actively involve the family (also in care)

Family members know the rituals of their loved ones better than anyone else, which can help prevent problem behavior. They know exactly how someone prefers to shower, eat, and start the day. Yet this knowledge is often (well-intentioned) pushed aside with the thought: “We’ll take care of this.” But family members often want to contribute something themselves, whether it’s care or a bike ride. They often also enjoy taking other residents along.

4. From home to nursing home: make the transition easier

Much misunderstood behavior already occurs before someone moves to the nursing home. Now that people are staying at home longer, it is smart to use resources and familiar objects early on that offer a sense of security and recognition. These can be taken to the nursing home later, which makes the transition to a new environment less stressful.