Frequency and Management Difficulty of Behavioral Problems Among Dementia Patients in Long-Term Care Facilities

A survey was conducted in order to examine the relationship between the frequency of behavior problems and nursing staff perceptions of management difficulty among dementia patients in long-term care facilities. Of 142 nursing facilities contacted, 59% responded, with a total of 289 staff members returning questionnaires. Staff reported that the most frequently occurring behavior problems were disorientation, urinary incontinence, and inability to self-feed. Physical and verbal aggression, agitation, and depression were rated as the most difficult to manage.