Paper
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Innovative Nurse Models for Care of Persons with Dementia
Janet K. Pringle Specht, PhD, RN, FAAN, College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA and Meridean L. Maas, RN, PhD, FAAN, University of Iowa College of Nursing, Iowa City, IA, USA.
Objective: To share two innovative nursing models of care developed to meet the urgent need for care of persons with dementia. The population of older persons over age 85 continues to grow and is at much higher risk for development of dementia. Care options for persons with dementia and their families are limited. Model One: Liberty Country Living is an alternative living facility for persons with dementia. Using a nursing model of care with a group home concept, two nurse entrepreneurs developed and opened the facility for persons with middle stage dementia. Objectives of the model were to provide a family type living environment, support remaining abilities, encourage family involvement, and include residents in all activities as appropriate. Nurse leadership is an essential part of the model. Model One Outcomes: Outcomes for the first five years (N=40) include extended length of stay, maintenance of ambulation, continence, weight, and social interaction, rare occurrences of elopement and aggressive/agitated behavior. Model Two Description: The second model is the use of a Nurse Care Manager (NCM) with specific training in care of persons with dementia in the community. The NCM role is to assist the caregiver in learning to care for the person with dementia and obtain needed support to sustain the care without endangering the caregivers health and well being. Methods: The model testing was supported with a grant from the Administration on Aging. 258 persons were enrolled in the study over a two-year period in the NCM group or the control group who received traditional case management services from the area agencies on aging. Data were collected every 6 months. Model Two Outcomes: Caregiver outcomes assessed were well-being, stressors, endurance potential and physical health. Outcomes for caregivers were significantly better than those for persons receiving the traditional case management services.
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Sigma Theta Tau International
July 22-24, 2004