Exploring the Occupation-Based Needs of Older Adults with Alzheimer’s Disease at a Reminiscence Therapy Adult Day Center

Authors

Kendra C. Gillio, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow
Susan MacDermott, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow
Becki Cohill, University of St. Augustine for Health SciencesFollow

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Description

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting approximately 60% to 70% of the older adult population aged 65 and older (Santos da Silva, de Oliveira Alves, Barros Leite Slagueiro & Bezerra Barbosa, 2018). Reminiscence therapy prompts an individual’s memory by stimulating their sense – sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch, and provides an opportunity for them to revisit and relive their past through their surrounding environment (Swann, 2013). For individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, occupational therapy focuses on adapting the environment in order to promote their ability to engage in meaningful occupations, increase quality of life, and social participation; ultimately optimizing occupational performance (Letts, et. al, 2011). Activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, leisure activities and social activities are reported as problematic areas for individuals Alzheimer’s disease and dementia (Padilla, 2011). Reminiscence therapy shows the potential to improve occupational functioning for an individual with Alzheimer’s disease, however occupational therapy is not currently involved.

The objectives of this project were to complete a needs assessment identifying the occupation-based activity related needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia at an adult day reminiscence therapy program, and then propose program recommendations to the staff on adapting activities to meet the identified population needs. Identified behaviors from the observation of the Alzheimer’s disease and dementia population at Glenner Town Square were connected to an overall decrease in activity engagement and participation. Current staff discussed their experiences with lack of participation, disengagement, and the ongoing barriers to redirect or reengage participants in activities. Caregivers expressed their day to day concerns and challenges living with and caring for an individual with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The needs assessment ultimately supported the limited research currently available on the role occupational therapy and reminiscence therapy play on activity engagement and occupational performance in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Publication Date

Spring 4-23-2020

Medical Subject Headings

Occupational Therapy, Aged. Alzheimer Disease, Dementia, Needs Assessment, Activities of Daily Living

Disciplines

Neurology | Occupational Therapy

Comments

Poster presented at the Spring 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences on April 23, 2020.

References

1. Amieva, H., & Dartigues, J.-F. (2013). ETNA3, A clinical randomized study assessing three cognitive-oriented therapies in dementia: Rationale and general design. Revue Neurologique, 169(10), 752-756. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurol.2013.07.011
2. Letts, L., Edwards, M., Berenyi, J., Moros, K., O¿Neill, C., O¿Toole, C., & McGrath, C. (2011). Using Occupations to Improve Quality of Life, Health and Wellness, and Client and Caregiver Satisfaction for People With Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 65(5), 497-504. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2011.002584
3. Nazarko, L. (2011). Tackling "sundowning" in dementia care. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, 5(11), 544-547. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjha.2011.5.11.544
4. Padilla, R. (2011). Effectiveness of interventions designed to modify the activity demands of the occupations of self-care and leisure for people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 65(5), 523-531. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2011.002618
5. Santos da Silva, M. I., de Oliveira Alves, A. N., Barros Leite Salgueiro, C. D., & Bezerra Barbosa, V. F. (2018). Alzheimer'sdisease: Biopsychosocial repercussions in the life of the family caregiver. Journal of Nursing UFPE / Revista de Enfermagem UFPE, 12(7), 1931-1939. https://doi.org/10.5205/1981-8963-v12i7a231720p1931-1939-2018
6. Swann, J. I. (2013). Dementia and reminiscence: Not just a focus on the past. Nursing & Residential Care, 15(12), 790-795. https://doi.org/10.12968/nrec.2013.15.12.790

Recommended Citation

Gillio, K. C., MacDermott, S., & Cohill, B. (2020, April 23). Exploring the Occupation-Based Needs of Older Adults with Alzheimer’s Disease at a Reminiscence Therapy Adult Day Center. Poster presented at the Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium, University of St Augustine for Health Sciences. Retrieved from https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonespring2020/14