The impact of stimulus attributes on engagement of nursing home residents with dementia.
We examined the influence of stimulus attributes on the engagement of 69 nursing home residents with dementia. Specifically, we looked at work-related stimuli versus manipulative block stimuli, and whether the color, size, and material of a stimulus affect the duration and quality of engagement. Engagement was assessed using the Observational Measurement of Engagement (OME). Results revealed a clear preference for the work-related rather than manipulative block stimuli. In addition, the study participants showed a significant preference for small rather than large blocks, regardless of color or material. The effect of material and color was not statistically significant. These findings may assist nursing home caregivers who wish to provide appropriate stimuli for engaging nursing home residents with dementia.
Cohen-Mansfield
Jiska
J
Research Institute on Aging of the CES Life Communities, 6121 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852, USA. cohen-mansfield@hebrew-home.org
Dakheel-Ali
Maha
M
Thein
Khin
K
Marx
Marcia S
MS
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires