The effects of small-scale, homelike facilities for older people with dementia on residents, family caregivers and staff: design of a longitudinal, quasi-experimental study
2009

Effects of Small-Scale Living Facilities for Dementia Care

Sample size: 120 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Verbeek Hilde, van Rossum Erik, Zwakhalen Sandra MG, Ambergen Ton, Kempen Gertrudis IJM, Hamers Jan PH

Primary Institution: Maastricht University

Hypothesis

What are the effects of small-scale living facilities on residents' quality of life, behavioral problems and social engagement?

Conclusion

The study aims to investigate the effects of small-scale living facilities on the quality of life of residents with dementia, their family caregivers, and nursing staff.

Supporting Evidence

  • Small-scale living facilities are expected to improve residents' quality of life.
  • Family caregivers may experience less burden in small-scale living facilities.
  • Nursing staff may have higher job satisfaction in small-scale living facilities.

Takeaway

This study looks at how living in smaller, homelike facilities can help older people with dementia feel better and make their families and caregivers happier too.

Methodology

A longitudinal, quasi-experimental study comparing small-scale living facilities and regular psychogeriatric wards, with data collected at baseline and after 6 and 12 months.

Potential Biases

Selection bias may occur due to the matching procedure used to enhance comparability of groups.

Limitations

Challenges in randomization and potential selection bias due to the nature of dementia care settings.

Participant Demographics

Older people with dementia, their family caregivers, and nursing staff in the southern part of the Netherlands.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2318-9-3

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