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P2‐370: Non‐Pharmacologic Approaches Aimed at Reducing Agitation and Unwanted Behaviors for Dementia Patients Living in a Skilled Nursing Facility
Author(s) -
Guina Kelly J.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1016/j.jalz.2016.06.1581
Subject(s) - intervention (counseling) , feeling , dementia , psychological intervention , medicine , nursing , psychology , psychiatry , social psychology , disease , pathology
Background:Patients with Alzheimer’s are sometimes taking medication that they do not need. Often times with Alzheimer’s patients get frustrated, confused and agitatied. Feeling anxious and having unwated behaviors is not something enjoyable for a patient of the staff, these can be minimized by tailoring approaches/interventions to the patient.Methods:We created a Psychotropic Review Committee that meets once a month and reviews 5 patients medication/ behaviors. The patients behaviors are charted by time/date/behavior and who was working withthem/interviention taken to try and reduce the use of psychotropic medication. Can the behavior be avoided or changed with a non-pharmaceutical intervention. Results: This gives staff a clearer picture of a patients behavior, what approaches work and do not. How often they need to take medication/ what can be done in place. Conclusions:Patient’s medications have been reduced without the upturn of behaviors. Gives clearer insight into who really needs medication and who may not need it anymore. Patients feel less agitation and more understood.