Abstract
The Alzheimer's Association used a consultative, consensus-building process to develop 3 phases of dementia care practice recommendations that address, in detail, 7 critical areas-food and fluid intake, pain management, social isolation, wandering, falls, physical restraints, and end-of-life care. The process involved developing draft recommendations on the basis of the latest research evidence on effective dementia care and vetting the recommendations internally and externally with various groups. In a series of summit meetings, the process included participation of up to 31 national health and long-term care stakeholder groups representing consumers, providers, professionals, and workers. Also, the Association's experts from its national office, 78 Chapters, and early-stage advisory group helped develop the recommendations. After incorporating the extensive feedback and resolving differences, all participating national groups supported the Association's practice recommendations. The process the Association undertook to develop the recommendations is described in this article.