Assessing disruptive behaviors of nursing home residents: use of microcomputer technology to promote objectivity in...

1. Simultaneous recording of multiple behaviors, as well as their antecedents and consequences, is made possible with the use of microcomputers. 2. Objective identification of key environmental events provides significant assessment data to plan care for the person with dementia. 3. With a more precise assessment base through naturalistic observation of disruptive behaviors, management of these behaviors can affect, more positively, the quality of life of the nursing home resident.