Table 3.

Actions by co-patients to gain or give a sense of control to cope with disruption

Giving a sense of control to the patient with dementia	Giving a sense of control to the family carer	Gaining a sense of control for themselves	Giving a sense of control to the staff
•Look out for other patients •Include the person with dementia in visits from their relatives	•Monitor care and report to relatives	•Making the best of things •Being reasonable •Trying to control the behaviour of other patients •Aggression	•Avoid blaming the nurses •Being reasonable