Tried-and-True Strategies for Managing Acute Agitation in Adults With Dementia

Upon entering the nursing facility one afternoon you encounter Mrs. Jones, an 84-year-old woman with a history of dementia, who propels her wheelchair toward you screaming, “Help me get out of here! Mama is trying to come get me, but they won’t let her in!” Moments later a staff member approaches from behind Mrs. Jones, grabbing her wheelchair and saying, “Mrs. Jones, you need to come back to your hall. No one is coming to get you.” Mrs. Jones becomes visibly upset and reaches back to strike the staff member.