Effects of continuous activity programming on behavioral symptoms of dementia.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the effect of continuous activity programming on behavioral symptoms of dementia.


METHODS
Observational study based on quality improvement data.


METHODS
Two Dementia Special Care Units in different locations.


METHODS
Ninety veterans with dementia provided with long-tem care.


METHODS
Continuous activity programming.


METHODS
Data were extracted from the MDS files and obtained by questionnaires filled out by staff members not involved in activity programming.


RESULTS
Two settings of continuous activity programming, requiring no additional staffing, resulted in increased number of hours residents were involved in activities, decreased use of psychotropic medications, improved nutrition, and increased family satisfaction without additional staff. When additional staff was available, more intensive continuous activity programming further decreased agitation and improved sleep.


CONCLUSIONS
Continuous activity programming may be instituted without staffing change but the benefit is increased if additional staffing is available.
Volicer
Ladislav
L
School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA. lvolicer@cas.usf.edu
Simard
Joyce
J
Pupa
Jessica Heartquist
JH
Medrek
Rachel
R
Riordan
Mary Ellen
ME
D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003704:Dementia / Q000150:complications*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006757:Hospital Units; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities / Q000523:psychology; D008134:Long-Term Care; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D009735:Nursing Homes; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012934:Social Isolation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000458:organization & administration; D014707:Vermont; D015430:Weight Gain
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs