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Screaming in nursing home residents.
J Cohen-Mansfield1, P Werner, M S Marx
1Research Institute, Hebrew Home of Greater Washington, Rockville, MD 20852.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Many nursing home residents scream due to cognitive issues and social isolation. Frequent screaming is linked to poor daily living abilities and sadness, often occurring when residents are alone.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Nursing Home Care
Background:
- Screaming is a vocalization observed in nursing home residents.
- Factors contributing to screaming behavior require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and associated factors of screaming in nursing home residents.
- To explore the situational context of screaming behavior.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 408 nursing home residents was conducted.
- An in-depth observational study of five frequent screaming residents was performed.
Main Results:
- 25% of residents screamed at least four times weekly.
- Screaming correlated with cognitive impairment, depressed affect, poor social networks, and impaired daily living activities.
- Screaming was more frequent in the evening when residents were alone.
Conclusions:
- Screaming in nursing homes is prevalent and associated with significant resident impairments.
- Social isolation, particularly during evening hours, may trigger screaming behavior.