Use of nonpharmacologic interventions among nursing home residents with dementia

Abstract

The authors describe domains of nonpharmacologic interventions for residents with dementia who are receiving long-term care. Special emphasis is placed on interventions involving the domains of inappropriate behavior, restraint reduction, and cognition. Illustrations of the salubrious effects of these interventions are presented. For each domain, a review of the available information about nonpharmacologic interventions is provided, and areas in which additional information is needed are discussed. The authors conclude with a summary that emphasizes linkages and similarities among interventions across domains. The authors' major point is that effective nonpharmacologic interventions are available for a variety of behavioral problems that are commonly observed in long-term care settings.