The Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI)

The Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) is a trusted tool for tracking agitation in elderly care. It helps staff spot behavioural changes quickly. This assessment lists 29 specific behaviours that caregivers observe over a standard two week period. It relies on direct input from nurses or family members who know the patient well. The form breaks actions into physical or verbal categories, covering things like pacing, hitting or shouting. Raters score how often these happen on a seven point scale, ranging from never occurring to happening several times an hour. Using this inventory allows clinical teams to pinpoint triggers and see if treatments are working properly. It is really handy for creating support plans that actually fit the person. By measuring agitation clearly, facilities can improve daily life and reduce stress for both residents and staff members.