Meaningful Activity in Assisted Living Residents with Dementia
Author Information
Author(s): Holmes Sarah, Galik Elizabeth, Resnick Barbara, Scherr Susan, O’Brien Erin, Levy Sorah, Gurlu Merve, Zhu Shijun
Primary Institution: University of Maryland School of Nursing
Hypothesis
Residents exposed to MAC-4-BSD will demonstrate reduced behavioral symptoms, increased meaningful activity engagement and quality of life at 4 months compared to those exposed to education only.
Conclusion
Engagement in meaningful activity is a promising approach that can help improve the quality of life for assisted living residents with dementia.
Supporting Evidence
- The MAC-4-BSD intervention was feasible to implement.
- Increased engagement in meaningful activity was observed.
- Quality of life improved among those exposed to MAC-4-BSD.
- Staff distress related to residents’ behavioral symptoms decreased.
Takeaway
Doing meaningful activities can help people with dementia feel better and enjoy life more.
Methodology
Cluster randomized controlled trial with repeated measures design.
Limitations
No change in the severity or number of behavioral symptoms was observed.
Participant Demographics
Most participants were female (73%) and White (87%) with a mean age of 85 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=.005, p=.03, p=.037
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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