CALMS Program: Managing Agitation in Dementia Care

Presenter

Emily Hamed

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

Dementia is a growing public health concern and is expected to rise to 14 million by 2060 (Wong et al., 2024). Agitation is a common and challenging comorbidity of dementia affecting as many as 60% of residents residing in assisted living facilities (ALFs), and may present as aggression, restlessness, and verbal outbursts, all of which impact quality of life (Wong et al., 2024). Literature supports person-centered and environmental interventions such as communication and sensory-based strategies to mitigate agitation-related behaviors. Guided by the evidence, this IRB-approved study examined the impact of a multifaceted approach designed to prevent and reduce agitation by addressing the social and physical environment. Staff were introduced to the CALMS method, an educational framework intended to support effective responses to agitation, reduce caregiver burnout, and promote quality of care for residents. CALMS stands for Communication, Adjusting the environment, Looking for unmet needs, Meaningful activities, and Sensory strategies. This presentation describes the CALMS method in detail and reports mixed-methods outcomes from one ALF. Outcome measures used include the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory, survey data assessing staff knowledge acquisition and confidence, in addition to thematic analysis of staff interviews.

Faculty Mentor

Sheridan Ferland OTD, OTR/L

Academic Discipline

College of Health & Wellness

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS