Can We Help Care Providers Communicate More Effectively With Persons Having Dementia Living in Long-Term Care Homes?

BACKGROUND Effective communication between residents with dementia and care providers in long-term care homes (LTCHs) is essential to resident-centered care. PURPOSE To determine the effects of a communication intervention on residents' quality of life (QOL) and care, as well as care providers' perceived knowledge, mood, and burden. METHOD The intervention included (1) individualized communication plans, (2) a dementia care workshop, and (3) a care provider support system. Pre- and postintervention scores were compared to evaluate the effects of the intervention. A total of 12 residents and 20 care providers in an LTCH participated in the feasibility study. RESULTS The rate of care providers' adherence to the communication plans was 91%. Postintervention, residents experienced a significant increase in overall QOL. Care providers had significant improvement in mood and perceived reduced burden. CONCLUSION The results suggest that the communication intervention demonstrates preliminary evidence of positive effects on residents' QOL and care providers' mood and burden.