When a resident with AD is frightened, what should the NA do?

In the scenario of a resident with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) experiencing fear, checking the resident's body language can provide crucial insights into their emotional state and help tailor the caregiver's approach. Body language can often convey more than words, and individuals with AD may struggle to articulate their feelings verbally. By observing for signs of tension, helplessness, or agitation, the nursing assistant (NA) can better assess the situation and respond appropriately to alleviate the resident's fear.

Understanding their non-verbal cues allows the NA to approach the resident in a calm and supportive manner, which is essential for diffusing fear and creating a sense of safety. This action promotes trust and can help in establishing a communicative environment where the resident feels secure. Engaging in non-threatening communication and ensuring the resident feels comfortable can significantly improve their emotional well-being.

In contrast, speaking in a room with background noise, such as a television, might distract the resident and add to their confusion. Using longer sentences can be overwhelming and difficult for individuals with cognitive impairments to process. Not telling the resident what is about to happen may also create additional anxiety and uncertainty, which is counterproductive in managing fear.