Keywords

Alzheimer's disease, assisted living, dementia care, food and fluid intake, nursing homes, pain management, practice guidelines, social engagement

 

Authors

  1. Reed, Peter PhD
  2. Tilly, Jane DrPH

Abstract

The Alzheimer's Association Dementia Care Practice Recommendations for Assisted Living Residences and Nursing Homes are based on the latest evidence in research and the experience of care experts. To gain experiential evidence, the Association engaged experts from its 79 chapters and representatives of 26 national associations in a consensus-building process to translate the research into specific recommendations. The phase 1 recommendations, summarized in this article, offer guidance in the fundamentals of dementia care, including behavior and communication, as well as 3 specific care areas: (1) food and fluid consumption, (2) pain management, and (3) social engagement and involvement in meaningful activities. All recommendations are based on a person-centered approach to care, which tailors care to the abilities and changing needs of each resident. The recommendations are intended to be understandable and useful to all levels of long-term care staff and offer practical advice on strategies for improving care.