Department
Social Work
Date of Paper/Work
2018
Degree Name
Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
Type of Paper/Work
Clinical research paper
Advisors
David Roseborough
Abstract
Changes in behavior are common in dementia and can be challenging to address. The purpose of this pilot study was to look at how effective non-pharmacological interventions are in decreasing associated behaviors among residents in a skilled nursing facility. Pharmacological interventions have been the primary method to decreasing these behaviors; however, these interventions may lead to faster disease progression. There is an increased awareness of the potential uses of non-pharmacological treatment for residents with dementia; however, there are challenges that go along with this approach. A set of interview questions was asked to four staff members of a nursing home piloting a non-pharmacological approach. Three main categories emerged from the interviews. These categories include: decision to use the non-pharmacological interventions, alternative interventions used, and the responsiveness to using the interventions. Findings suggest that these non-pharmacological interventions were effective in decreasing problematic behaviors. Findings also suggest the need for continued education and ongoing research involving the topic of using non-pharmacological interventions to treat these behaviors residents with dementia sometimes exhibit.
Keywords
dementia, non-pharmacological, nursing home, pharmacological behavior, psychological symptoms
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Ray, Kelli, "Non-pharmacological Interventions in Residents with Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia" (2018). Social Work Master’s Clinical Research Papers. 849.
https://ir.stthomas.edu/ssw_mstrp/849