[Psychosocial care assistants caring for residents with dementia according to section 87b SGB XI. Emotional and cognitive effects].
OBJECTIVE
Since 2008 nursing homes may receive resources for assistance in additional low threshold psychosocial care for residents with dementia. By now, most institutions make use of this. However, the effects of this additional psychosocial care on the emotional and cognitive state of mind of persons with dementia have not yet been investigated systematically.


METHODS
Using a longitudinal control group design the effects of additional low threshold psychosocial assistance were recorded and analysed for ten months.


RESULTS
There appears to be a positive relation between the work of the psychosocial care assistants and the emotional state of mind (Geriatric Depression Scale) and the cognitive performance (Mini-Mental State Test) of residents with dementia. In addition, other employees appraised the additional psychosocial care and experienced some relief of strain.


CONCLUSIONS
More investigation is needed, but it seems worthwhile to intensify low threshold psychosocial care.
Geschäftsführerin der Familien- und Krankenpflege Gelsenkirchen e.V. e.rexhausen@fundkge.de
Eva-Maria
EM
Rexhausen
D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D001364:Awareness; D004644:Emotions; D005858:Germany; D006707:Homes for the Aged / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D009728:Nursing Assistants / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence