1. Managing Crisis Situations in Dementia Care
Developed by:
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Center for Community Development, Engagement and Training  (CCDET)
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Division of Quality Assurance (DQA)
September 2018

2. Introduction Learning Points
When we recognize some common behaviors that are caused by the condition, it may be easier to manage or de-escalate crisis situations
Just as important…when we understand our own behavior, we are more capable of determining a helpful response

3. Behaviors That May Lead to Crisis Situations
Anger/Agitation
Aggression
Wandering
Sleeplessness/
Sundowning
Inappropriate Sexual Behavior
Delusions/
Hallucinations
Taking Things/”Collecting”
Dressing Inappropriately
Personality Changes
Becoming Lost
Repetitive Behavior
Shadowing
Day/Night Reversal
Confabulation
Emotional Memory
Transfer Trauma
Activity: Associate the Behavior with the Scenario

4. Responses to Crisis Situations
Activity: Think of a Person in Your Care
Think of a person who is a joy to support
Think of a person you find difficult to support
Wanting Energy
A term for getting our wants and needs met
Caregivers and residents may have different “wants”

5. Belief Systems “I know what’s best for the person in my care.”
“Whatever action I take is acceptable because ‘I am only trying to help’.”
“The resident won’t remember the incident anyway.”
“It doesn’t matter what I say or do; nothing works!”

6. Power and Control
Imbalance of power and control between caregiver and resident
Seeing the relationship as one in which someone needs to be in control
Creates a climate of contest
How do we balance the need to get the job done with the needs of the resident while avoiding a crisis?

7. Changing Your Point of View
New Approaches
Changing Your Point of View

8. Activity: Practice the Steps
The Crisis Manager Hat
Step #1: Check Your Own Responses
Step #2: Assess the Situation
Step #3: Take Action or Not?
Activity: Practice the Steps

9. Workshop Closing Review Learning Points
Identify behaviors that may lead to crisis situations
Explain the importance of the caregiver’s response
Create responses based on the needs of the resident
Manage crisis situations through three major steps
For additional training opportunities: or