[Activities programs for institutionalized elderly patients with dementia].
Formal caregivers often play an important role in leading activities programs and arranging appropriate therapeutic activities in institutions. Studies have shown that, when elderly patients with dementia have participated in more structured activities, agitated behaviors have been significantly decreased. Also, structured activities have helped in the performance of ADL, as well as improved quality of sleep, decreased anxiety, improved self-expression and social interaction, enhanced caregiver's morale, and resulted in a more positive caring attitude on the part of caregivers. This article will discuss the categories and contents of activities programs for elderly patients with dementia and can be applied as a reference to assist formal caregivers in their efforts to arrange appropriate activities programs in institutions.
Kao
Chieh-Chun
CC
Cardinal Tien College of Nursing, National Yang-Ming University, Taiwan, ROC.
Lin
Li-Chan
LC
D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000451:nursing*; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D007326:Institutionalization