The effects of a nursing guideline on depression in psychogeriatric nursing home residents with dementia

Abstract

This study shows significant reductions in depression severity by introducing a nursing guideline on psychogeriatric nursing home wards. Better compliance with the guideline could probably enlarge the effects. Some ways to achieve enhanced compliance are: (1) additionally train non-certified nurse assistants, and (2) emphasize necessary conditions for successful introduction of the guideline to nursing team managers.

Activity involvement and quality of life of people at different stages of dementia in long term care facilities

“…Second, they may not yet fully recognize the benefits of engaging residents with advanced dementia in activities for their quality of life, despite the positive effects reported in several studies (e.g. Brooker, Wooley, & Lee, 2007;Schreiner, Yamamoto, & Shiotani, 2005;Verkaik et al, 2011;Volicer, Simard, Pupa, Medrek, & Riordan, 2006). Engaging residents in activities might seem of less value for the wellbeing of residents, than the basic physical care, a clean environment and comfort (Clare et al, 2008;Edvardsson et al, 2013) À also the things by which the staff are often judged upon by family caregivers, colleagues and care facility.…”

Depression in Cognitive Impairment

“…One study looked at the implementation of a nursing guideline that emphasizes increasing pleasant activities and reducing negative events in several psychogeriatric nursing home wards, and found a significant decrease in depressive symptoms in residents with depression and dementia [75]. An examination of similar facilities in the Netherlands found that depressive symptoms in residents correlated with the level of social engagement on the unit, but this effect disappeared when individual resident characteristics (e.g., age, gender, level of function, presence of a partner) were taken into account [76].…”

Distress experienced by nurses in response to the challenging behaviour of residents – evidence fromGerman nursing homes

“…A study conducted by Verkaik et al . (,b) involved the introduction of nursing guidelines concerning depression in dementia and reported positive effects on the perceived professional autonomy of certified nursing assistants and a reduction in the severity of depression among residents with dementia. The idea of publishing nursing guidelines is promising, inviting future development and scientific evaluations that take into account both nurses and residents.…”