scholarly journals The Implementation of Birdsong: A Non-Pharmacological Intervention for Persons With Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 692-693
Author(s):  
Catherine Tompkins ◽  
Joan Thomas ◽  
Christina Cole ◽  
Mei Qiu

Abstract Birdsong is a person-centered, nonpharmacological intervention for people with dementia. Using a touch-screen tablet, residents with dementia are stimulated with content customized based on individual interests such as sports, videos, music or brain games. The increased stimulation is expected to redirect negative behaviors, decrease the use of anti-psychotic medications and increase positive emotions. Birdsong is being implemented in a 100% Medicaid funded, long-term care facility. Two 10-week experimental design studies were implemented with 39 residents. Preliminary findings suggest a lack of independence with the tablets among the residents, but positive stimulation of emotions and redirection of negative behaviors with assistance of staff or volunteers. A team of practitioners, faculty and student researchers continue to examine the intervention, its implementation and effects on this population by examining the Minimum Data Set (MDS data) and observations of the residents as they utilize Birdsong.

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S442-S442
Author(s):  
Ethan A McMahan ◽  
Marion Godoy ◽  
Abiola Awosanya ◽  
Robert Winningham ◽  
Charles De Vilmorin ◽  
...  

Abstract Empirical research on long-term care facility resident engagement has consistently indicated that increased engagement is associated with more positive clinical outcomes and increased quality of life. The current study adds to this existing literature by documenting the positive effects of technologically-mediated recreational programing on quality of life and medication usage in aged residents living in long-term care facilities. Technologically-mediated recreational programming was defined as recreational programming that was developed, implemented, and /or monitored using software platforms dedicated specifically for these types of activities. This study utilized a longitudinal design and was part of a larger project examining quality of life in older adults. A sample of 272 residents from three long-term care facilities in Toronto, Ontario participated in this project. Resident quality of life was assessed at multiple time points across a span of approximately 12 months, and resident engagement in recreational programming was monitored continuously during this twelve-month period. Quality of life was measured using the Resident Assessment Instrument Minimum Data Set Version 2.0. Number of pharmacological medication prescriptions received during the twelve-month study period was also assessed. Descriptive analyses indicated that, in general, resident functioning tended to decrease over time. However, when controlling for age, gender, and baseline measures of resident functioning, engagement in technologically-mediated recreational programming was positively associated with several indicators of quality of life. The current findings thus indicate that engagement in technology-mediated recreational programming is associated with increased quality of life of residents in long-term care facilities.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 408-408
Author(s):  
Dorota Szcześniak ◽  
Adrianna Senczyszyn ◽  
Maria Maćkowiak ◽  
Marta Ciułkowicz ◽  
Katarzyna Lion ◽  
...  

Abstract During the pandemic long-term care facilities (LTCF) social health providers constantly remain in a dilemma between loyalty to people with dementia and concerns for their own families. All of these factors could contribute to the mental burden, burnout, and increased chance of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic symptoms. In our study we aimed to provide a window on psychopathological consequences (somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction, and depression) associated with the exposure of LTCF employees to the risk of the SARS-CoV-2 contagion in Poland. Moreover, we investigated if institutional factors, such as personal protection equipment availability, safety guidelines or access to psychiatric and psychological support at the workplace, contribute to the decrease of psychological distress of the LTCF personnel. The results can serve as ready-made guidelines for mitigating the SARS-CoV-2 impact on dementia care and constitute the basis for further analysis of long-term consequences of this precedential situation.


2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula McNiel ◽  
Judith Westphal

New methods of care are required to meet the needs of people with dementia and their caregivers. The Namaste Care™ program provides a person-centered approach through meaningful activities and loving touch. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of residents, staff, and family involved in the Namaste Care™ program at a long-term care facility in the United States. A descriptive approach was used to interview 14 staff members. The findings revealed six themes: peaceful sanctuary, relating their way, transforming experiences, connections and community, positive moments, and awakened to the possibilities. Results suggest that Namaste Care™ may be useful for individuals no longer able to participate in traditional long-term care setting activities. Further studies are indicated to confirm the impact on hospital readmissions, therapy enhancement, and medication use in relationship to Namaste Care™ program participation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 276-276
Author(s):  
Diana DiGasbarro ◽  
Courtney Whitaker ◽  
Benjamin Mast

Abstract Assessment of and care for people with dementia is shifting away from a purely medical disease model toward a more holistic, biopsychosocial approach. Within this movement is growing interest in balancing the negative, symptom-based view of people with dementia with better understanding of strengths and positive behaviors exhibited by people with dementia. The aim of this qualitative study was to gather perspectives of professional caregivers regarding positive behaviors and strengths observed in people with dementia. Data were obtained from three focus groups conducted at a memory care unit within a large long-term care facility. Focus group participants (N=14) worked in nursing and the activities department. Inductive methods were used to code and analyze focus group transcripts and recordings. Five major themes were identified: enduring abilities and values, enduring traits and strengths, sense of purpose and meaning, desire to be helpful, and prosocial behavior. These themes illustrate many domains in which professional caregivers have observed positive behaviors and strengths in people with dementia living in a long-term care facility. The results of this study contribute to the growing literature pertaining to the intersection of positive psychology and dementia research and practice. Future directions include development of an assessment tool to measure positive behavior and strengths in people living with dementia.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monique van Bruggen-Rufi ◽  
Annelies van Rijn

This article reports about two different cases of persons with Korsakoff syndrome (KS) who benefit greatly from music therapy while they are struggling with behavioral and emotional problems, caused by their chronic alcohol abuse which led to developing KS. Typical characteristics of persons suffering from KS are memory impairment, confabulation and problems with executive functions. Music therapy is a non-pharmacological intervention which has the potential to improve communication skills, reducing behavioral problems and thus leading to a better quality of life in KS-patients. An empathic yet directive approach has been proven beneficial when working with KS-clients. There is still little knowledge on how music therapy may contribute to improving these skills or reducing these impairments. The two case reports that follow provide greater insight into how to treat patients with KS through music therapy, specifically in patients who are residing in a long-term care facility specialized in KS.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 882-882
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Howard ◽  
Tammy Retalic

Abstract Achieving institutional goal of full, person-centered care was encumbered by an outdated structural “hospital model” at one long-term care facility that undertook building renovations, transforming long hallways into “neighborhood” of compact households. Quality of Life Survey and Long-term Care Minimum Data Set generated data at baseline and 1-year follow-up, comparing renovated(RU) and non-renovated unit(NRU) residents (n=36) to evaluate achievement of person-centered care. RU residents indicating they could “eat when I want” increased 75% to 81% at follow-up and decreased 17% for NRU residents. Sixty-seven percent of RU residents reported bathing “when they want” in contrast to 40% of NRU residents. Most RU residents agreed, “staff act on my suggestions.”More RU residents (68% vs 53%) agreed: “I spend time with other like-minded residents” and more RU residents (86% vs 43%) reported opportunity to explore new skills, interests. RU residents more often reported (50% vs 37%) “people ask for my help or advice.” Similar differences were observed with “it is easy to make friends here,” 67% RU residents responding affirmatively. RU residents reporting “feeling down” improved, moving from 46% to 50% disagreeing with this item with while increased number of NRU residents (18% to 22%) reported “feeling down” at follow-up.Improvement with independent performance of bed mobility, transfer, walking, and dressing among RU residents was observed while NRU residents had decreased percentages of independence. Evaluation of resident outcomes demonstrated improvement with personal choice, activities, personal relationships, functional independence and mood. Physical unit renovations appear to enhance implementation of person-centered care model.


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