"At some point, nearly 80% of long-term care residents display moderate to severe behavior problems stemming from mental illness, dementia, difficult personalities, long-standing behavior patterns, or personal distress. Dealing with these behavior problems is often the most demanding part of a caregiver's job. This innovative book helps professional caregivers develop effective ways to prevent, reduce, or eliminate residents' challenging behaviors and alleviate their own stress." "Through numerous vignettes of readily recognizable resident types, staff will learn to identify what triggers and reinforces residents' challenging behavior. Recommended solutions for improving behavior include identifying the interpersonal "ABCs of Behavior" - the antecedents, the behaviors, and the consequences - and using practical communication techniques and evidence-based psychological approaches to encourage positive behavior.".

"This versatile book can be used as a self-help tool, a curriculum for in-services, or a training guide for students. Presented in easy-to-understand language, the book's principles and interventions are essential for everyone who works in a nursing home."--BOOK JACKET.