I volunteer at a Senior Citizens home, how to deal with temperamental resident?

Question

Ok, I have been a volunteer at a local senior citezens home for going on 9 months.

The residents are great, however during a Bingo activity, there is a bad apple in the bunch. He come late every single time, disrupts the other residents and has been disiplined several time for his outbursts and bad behavior, (from staff).

I have let him come in and interrupt all of this time, except the last time. I had him removed from the activity for the first time with me and feel sorry and guilty. (he yelled at me, again, he has yelled at others and threw his bingo board and chips off the table, etc)

He likes fighting so much he had a dream he fought with his brother and fell of his bed in the night. (big bruise on forehead).

Should I have had him removed from disrupting the activity yet again? It has been going on for quite sometime now, and lasts throughout the whole game.

Thanks for reading all of this and I really appreciate your advice....
Serious answers only PLEASE!

Thank you so much for taking this seriously and assisting in this issue.
It really helps.

Answer 1

OK, first thing its not your fault. You might want to try talking to him one on one and see where that gets you. If that doesn't work try suspending him from a couple of games and just tell him why he is being suspended. If that doesn't work well the only thing to do would be kick him out of bingo night. I know it might sound mean, but the others deserve a good night of bingo.

Answer 2

He obviously enjoys his bingo, despite everything. I think you must make it plain before the game takes off that you are going to have him ejected if there is any sign of trouble from him and that you may not let him attend again. Make it plain that you will be very sorry to do this, but that you must do it in the common interest. Any sign of action from him and you give him a warning look, to show you mean it. He'll probably try so hard to be a good boy that it will take his mind off fighting and disruption.

Answer 3

Dealing with elderly people can be challenging. My best approach is almost the same as with a belligerent child. Talk gently and often. Perhaps privatley and try to develop a bond. It will take time and won't be easy. Sincerely ask this person "what can I do to help?". Often angry people just feel like no one cares. Also, might there be a medical reason for this behavior? Is there any medication that might help? Good luck and don't give up.

Answer 4

He should not be allowed to participate until he maintains composure and self-control. Explain to him you would like him to join the group, but his behavior is disruptive and he will not be able to participate until he is under control. Then ask to visit him one on one at his residence/room and get to know him better. Ask him about items of interest in his room. Ask him where he used to live etc. Stay on positive topics as much as possible unless he is venting in a healthy way. Ask him if he likes sports, his favorite team etc. This will enable him to get to know you better and his mood should balance out. Ask if there are other activities he enjoys and volunteer to go with him to one of those. Many times anger and lack of family attention etc. influence negative outbursts and some personal time with the individual makes a great impact.

Answer 5

I use to work in the nursing homes as a nurse i had a patient who was like that. All you can do is be patient andtalk to him one on one and see what kind of things he likes to do and before bingo starts give him those items to work with and find someone who is willing to work with him sometimes they are very angry to be where they are and its all in the amount of patients you have and the time you give. When we get old we dont know how we will be but if that is the way i am I would hope someone would take the time for me

Answer 6

this goes to show you, that bullies remain bullies throughout life...if you were able to observe his behavior as a child in school, i am sure the same antics would be observe....he has reverted back mentally to the time of a structured school wherein the classroom as a child is related to the senior activities.....there are guidelines on bully behavior and disciplined available for school teachers..check your local schools, obtain their guidelines and modify it for this fella..he gets some kind of pleasure at disrupting the activities as the focus of attention..however at the end of the day, rules must be obeyed or consequences of discipline will have to be dealt with....we are structured with rules, regulations for the benefit of all....such as red and green traffic lights

Answer 7

Just like children, older adults who are the hardest to love usually need our love the most. Try to give him some individual attention when he's by himself and not demanding attention. I too volunteer at an assisted living home. Thank you for caring and sharing. May God bless you.

Answer 8

To volunteer in a LTCF (lengthy time period Care Facility), talk with the Director of events. when you're thinking studying in a clinical field, i ought to signify you flow to a well being middle and ask to rotate to diverse aspects. In a well being middle you'll see better than in a recurring LTCF.

Answer 9

I think that you need to enforce the rules for the sake of the other residents. It isn't fair to them or yourself to be subject to this behaviour. Perhaps, if you get the chance, if you see him, maybe you can sit down privately and talk to him about his behaviour.

He is obviously angry about something, but it shouldn't jeopardize the wellbeing of the other residents.

Good luck.

Answer 10

It appears he needs to be on medication. He may have Alzheimers or some type of dementia. The staff needs to contact the medical community.