Integration of lucid individuals and agitated individuals with dementia in different care units

The purpose of this study was to illuminate how the integration of lucid individuals and agitated cognitively impaired individuals affects aspects of perceived quality of care. A questionnaire was mailed to hospital wards, nursing home wards and residential homes in Sweden. Nursing staff replied to the questionnaire on behalf of each care unit. Integration of cognitively impaired and lucid patients/residents was identified as a problem, regardless of whether the care unit was a hospital ward, nursing home or residential home. Agitated behaviours in people who were cognitively impaired could result in lucid residents becoming anxious, afraid and irritated. This in turn could lead to an exacerbation of behaviour in residents who were already agitated. Sometimes a lucid patient/resident was required to share a room with an agitated individual. There is a need for staff training specific to the needs of people with dementia. Findings suggest that there is a shortage of units designed specifically for the care of agitated cognitively impaired patients/residents. The findings of this study support the need for healthcare providers in long-term care settings to maintain the rights and well being of all patients/residents.