Nonpharmacological interventions in long-term care: feasibility and recent trends

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Psychopharmacology
• Healthcare Policy

Background:

• Excessive antipsychotic prescribing is prevalent in nursing home residents with cognitive impairment and behavioral issues.
• Inappropriate medication can result in adverse outcomes, including injury, illness, and death.
• Government reports and research highlight the need for improved dementia care strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care initiative.
• To examine the feasibility and trends of nonpharmacological interventions for dementia-related behavioral symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Review of the CMS National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care initiative.
• Analysis of recent trends and feasibility of nonpharmacological interventions.
• Discussion of best practices for managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).

Main Results:

• The CMS initiative aims to reduce inappropriate antipsychotic use.
• Nonpharmacological interventions show promise as feasible alternatives.
• Evidence supports a shift towards person-centered care for dementia.

Conclusions:

• Reducing antipsychotic drug use in nursing homes is critical for patient safety.
• Nonpharmacological approaches are essential for managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).
• The National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care provides a framework for enhancing dementia care quality.