Coma
Rancho Level IV - Family Strategies for Interaction
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Rancho Level IV is characterized by: Emergence of Agitation and Confusion
Family members should not interpret the agitation and confusion as regression, but rather as progress. The individual is not aware of what he/she is doing and is likely to remember little of this period of time.
When relating to a person at Rancho Level IV, family and friends should:
• Tell the person where they are and reassure them that they are safe.
• Bring in family pictures and other personal items. These may make the person feel more comfortable as well as stimulate memory.
• Allow the person as much movement as is safely possible; Take person for rides in a wheel chair, if permitted.
• Not force the person into activities; listen to them and follow their lead, as is safely possible
• Provide frequent rest breaks to minimize episodes of increased restlessness and agitation.
• Keep the room quiet and calm; if the person is agitated, turn off the TV and radio.
• Limit visitors to 2-3 at a time.
Dr. Kiefel holds both a Masters and Doctoral degree in psychology with a specialty in clinical neuropsychology. Her specialty training in clinical child psychology was completed at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City and postdoctoral training completed at Childrens Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Kiefel, a licensed a Psychologist in Georgia has been on staff at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta since 1996.
References
Some information obtained from Family Guide to The Levels of Cognitive Functioning, Communication Disorders Department, Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center.