DEALING WITH THE AGGRESSIVE NURSING-HOME RESIDENT

Dealing with aggressive residents is one of the most difficult tasks performed by nursing home staff. These behaviors threaten the equilibrium of the institution, individual well-being, and the well-being of others. Most responses to the problem have been made on the basis of the medical model which seeks to control the aggression, frequently through the use of restraints and medications. Unlike this medical orientation, social work stresses both internal and external factors as contributors to behaviors. The ecological perspective of practice, as presented in this paper, views problems as occurring due to life transitions, environmental stresses, and maladaptive responses. It thus provides a comprehensive framework for assessing and effectively intervening with the aggressive resident.