JAMDA
Volume 7, Issue 7 , Pages 426-431, September 2006

Effects of Continuous Activity Programming on Behavioral Symptoms of Dementia

  • Ladislav Volicer, MD, PhD

      Affiliations

    • School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress correspondence to Ladislav Volicer, MD, PhD, 2337 Dekan Lane, Land O’Lakes, FL 34639.
    • ,
  • Joyce Simard, MSW

      Affiliations

    • Private Geriatric Consultant, Land O’Lakes, FL
    • ,
  • Jessica Heartquist Pupa, MS, OTR/L

      Affiliations

    • E.N. Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA.
    • ,
  • Rachel Medrek, MS, OTR/L

      Affiliations

    • E.N. Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA.
    • ,
  • Mary Ellen Riordan, MSW, LICSW

      Affiliations

    • E.N. Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA.

published online 11 May 2006.

Objectives

To describe the effect of continuous activity programming on behavioral symptoms of dementia.

Design

Observational study based on quality improvement data.

Setting

Two Dementia Special Care Units in different locations.

Participants

Ninety veterans with dementia provided with long-tem care.

Intervention

Continuous activity programming.

Measurements

Data were extracted from the MDS files and obtained by questionnaires filled out by staff members not involved in activity programming.

Results

Two settings of continuous activity programming, requiring no additional staffing, resulted in increased number of hours residents were involved in activities, decreased use of psychotropic medications, improved nutrition, and increased family satisfaction without additional staff. When additional staff was available, more intensive continuous activity programming further decreased agitation and improved sleep.

Conclusion

Continuous activity programming may be instituted without staffing change but the benefit is increased if additional staffing is available.

Keywords:  Dementia , activities , behavior

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PII: S1525-8610(06)00123-X

doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2006.02.003

JAMDA
Volume 7, Issue 7 , Pages 426-431, September 2006

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