Person-Centered Care Plans for Nursing Home Residents With Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

Little literature exists examining the development and implementation of person-centered care (PCC) plans focused on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). The current study aimed to describe BPSD documented in nursing home (NH) residents' care plans, the types of approaches staff document in addressing those symptoms, and whether resident and/or facility characteristics are associated with documentation of PCC approaches. The sample included 553 residents from 55 NHs in two East Coast states. Resistiveness to care (44.9%), agitation (42.2%), and aggression (42%) were most frequently documented in care plans. PCC approaches were documented in care plans in 21.3% to 62.7% of cases depending on BPSD type. Resident (e.g., younger age, lower functional ability, lower cognitive ability, longer length of stay, male gender) and facility (e.g., less certified nursing assistant staffing hours, greater percentage of residents taking antipsychotic medications, non-profit status) characteristics were associated with increased odds of PCC approaches being documented. Optimal PCC planning is discussed, and a sample PCC plan is provided. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 46(11), 17-27.].