[Application of individual reminiscence therapy to decrease anxiety in an elderly woman with dementia].
The purpose of this study was to share a nurse's experience assisting an older woman with dementia to manager her anxiety. The author provided nursing care to the subject from July 1st, 2007 to August 3rd, 2007. Diagnosis of anxiety was done using a comprehensive assessment approach encompassing five domains. Data were collected through observation, direct care, interviews with the subject and information provided by other nurse and family members. The author implemented a total of eight 30 minute therapy sessions, delivered twice per week using individual reminiscence theory. During the process, the author encouraged the subject to relate her own life story. To strengthen feelings of achievement and achieved self-assertion, listening, giving positive feedback, touching, and acceptance were used to persuade the subject to share her experiences. The process included four stages, including the initiation, immersion, withdrawal and closure stages. It was found that, after the eight sessions, the resident had a happier expression on her face, was willing to express herself more verbally, had more interaction with others, and required medication less frequently to help her sleep. Such implies that the resident's negative emotions and anxiety had improved. This experience may serve as a reference to elderly care institutions for assisting residents with anxiety.
Chou
Yu-Chun
YC
Department of Nursing, Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine Nursing and Management, Taiwan, ROC.
Lan
Yii-Hai
YH
Chao
Shu-Yuan
SY
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001007:Anxiety / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003704:Dementia / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D011939:Mental Recall; D011582:Psychological Theory; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group