An In-Service Workshop for Nursing Personnel on the Management of Catastrophic Reactions in Dementia Victims

Abstract

Nursing personnel contend with catastrophic reactions in dementia victims on a daily basis. Catastrophic reactions, on occasion, may be of sufficient severity to cause harm to caregivers. Therefore, it is important for caregivers to become familiar with this class of behavior and knowledgeable of its management. Catastrophic reactions are responses to antecedent conditions where there is either excessive sensory input or demands exceed abilities. The literature appears unambiguous on this point; prevention is the best way to manage catastrophic reactions by creating an environment and adopting caregiving approaches that delimit these antecedent conditions. The authors have devised a brief in-service training program for nursing personnel that includes three foci: empathy training, theory, and skills. This program has proven highly successful in the authors' institution. It appears that empathy training may serve as an anchor enhancing retention of theory and skills.