An evaluation of a family visit education program.
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to examine the impact of the Family Visit Education Program (FVEP) on family members, nursing staff, and nursing home residents with dementia.


METHODS
The study employed a 2 x 3 single-blind, randomized control group design with two study conditions, FVEP or usual care (UC), and three times of measurement, baseline, 3-months, and 6-months.


METHODS
The study was conducted in five skilled-care nursing homes that ranged in size from 120 to 300 beds.


METHODS
Sixty-six residents with dementia and their primary visitor were randomly assigned to FVEP (n = 32) or UC (n = 34).


METHODS
Residents were assessed for (1) psychosocial functioning, (2) depression, (3) agitated behavior, and (4) degree of positive social interaction. Nursing staff were assessed for changes in the time and methods used to manage problem behaviors. Visitors were assessed for (1) dementia management skills, (2) extent of perceived caregiving hassles, and (3) visit satisfaction.


RESULTS
FVEP was effective for reducing residents' problem behaviors and for decreasing their symptoms of depression and irritability. It was also effective for improving the way family members and other visitors communicated with residents, but, with the exception of reducing the use of mechanical restraints, it was not effective in changing nurses' management of residents' behavior problems.


CONCLUSIONS
It is possible to educate family members to communicate and interact more effectively with nursing home residents with dementia. This has beneficial effects on residents but not on nursing staff's management of problem behaviors.
McCallion
P
P
Ringel Institute of Gerontology, School of Social Welfare, University of Albany, State University of New York, 12222, USA.
Toseland
R W
RW
Freeman
K
K
D000328:Adult; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D003142:Communication; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003704:Dementia / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009735:Nursing Homes; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014789:Visitors to Patients / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology