Caring for People with Challenging Behaviors Essential Skills and Successful Strategies in Long-Term Care By Stephen Weber Long, Ph.D.

About the Author
Acknowledgments
Introduction
For the Reader

1. Why Nursing Home Residents Do What They Do
   
   Internal and External Influences on Behavior
   Coping with Stress and Dealing with Nursing Home
   
   
2. Encouraging Positive Behavior
   
   Engaging in Active Listening
   Allowing Choices
   Using Praise, Compliments, Acknowledgment
   Things to Avoid When Trying to Encourage Positive Behavior
   Using Relaxation Techniques
   
   
3. Finding Solutions to Difficult Behavior
   
   The Importance of Understanding Problem Behaviors
   The ABCs of Behavior and Interpersonal Interaction
   Holding On: Dealing with Our Reactions to Problem Behaviors
   Cooperative Problem Solving with the Resident
   Coping with Stress by Using Mental Imagery
   
   
4. Stress and the Roles of Thinking and Feeling
   
   Thinking and Feeling Explained
   The ABCs of Thinking and Feeling
   Using Our Feelings to Uncover the Motivations for Resident Behaviors
   Breathing-Focused Relaxation
   Practicing Techniques Outside of Relaxation Sessions
   
   
5. Obstacles to Using Effective Techniques
   
   Personal Obstacles
   Institutional Obstacles
   Societal Obstacles
   A System View
   Improving Relationships as a Stress Management Technique
   
   
6. Treatment Planning
   
   The Individual Method
   The Team Method
   
   

Bibliography
Appendix: Blank Forms

Top 10 Pleasant Events List
Pleasant Events Tracking Form
New Top 10 Pleasant Events List
ABCs of Behavior Observation Form
ABCs of Thinking and Feeling Form
Basic Psychological Skills Evaluation Form
Index