Inappropriate or Disruptive Vocalizations
Description of Behavior
Disruptive vocalizations are any verbal noises (screaming, yelling, nonsense talking, cursing) which are generally considered unusual, inappropriate or are upsetting to others.
Why behavior might occur
Disruptive vocalizations may be the result of a person having unmet needs and not being able to express them to staff, or may be due to too much or too little sensory stimulation.
How to approach the person who is making inappropriate vocalizations
- Avoid telling the person to “stop” or that their behavior is disturbing.
- Listen to what the person is saying and see if you can identify any concrete need or request in the vocalization.
Specific things to try to reduce inappropriate vocalizations
- Assess for unmet needs (presence of pain, hunger/thirst, hot or cold body temperature, need to go to the bathroom) and attempt to meet the resident’s need.
- Check for the presence of needed sensory aids (i.e. glasses, hearing aids).
- Assess for too much (loud TV in room) or little (resident is alone) stimulation in the environment and provide interventions based on the findings.
- Try to redirect the person. One way to do this may be to try to engage them in 1:1 social interaction or individual/small group activities.
- Play music for the person that meets their preferences.
- Playing white noise or nature sounds in a relaxing environment may be helpful.
- Sing with the resident (people are unable to sing and scream at same time).
- Try a group activity when appropriate based on resident’s preference for being around others and their ability to participate in the specific activity.
- Offer massage or comforting touch.
