When very bad things happen in the news, such as the Boston Marathon Bombing, or Newton school shootings, I try to encourage staff to shield our residents who are not alert and oriented from the news. I think that residents who are not fully living in reality, can really not comprehend what is going on and that it is not happening to them, or someone they know and that they are not immediately in danger. Since most of our residents have lived through wars, for many hearing about shooting, killing and bombings, can bring back some terrible memories and could increase negative behaviors.
For our alert and oriented folks, if they want to talk about it, do so in a small group with others. I think it is OK to tell them to take a break and shut off the TV for a while. Since I work in a religious based facility, we tell people to say a prayer for those involved, both the injured, the families and the helpers. This gives them something positive to do and a focus.
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