COE-NF De-Escalation Strategies In-Service Toolkit

Caring for residents with dementia in nursing homes presents unique challenges, particularly when managing behavioral symptoms such as aggression, agitation, or resistance to care. These behaviors often stem from underlying factors like unmet needs, discomfort, or confusion. Addressing these behaviors requires a compassionate, individualized approach that emphasizes understanding and empathy. 

The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) offers a comprehensive De-Escalation Strategies In-Service Toolkit designed to equip staff with effective techniques to prevent and manage escalating behaviors. This toolkit includes a fact sheet, a brief narrated presentation, and a structured learning module, all aimed at enhancing staff confidence and competence in handling challenging situations.

These training resources can be used in two ways, based on staff availability, by completing the online independent training or by attending an in-person group training event and contains supplemental tools, like a fact sheet on the ‘Do’s and Don’ts of Nonverbal Communication’ that can serve as ongoing visual reminders to staff in work stations and break rooms.

Click HERE for the Behavior De-Escalation Toolkit!