Individuals with dementia often experience sensory and occupational deprivation in long-term care facilities, and there is a need to provide opportunities for increased engagement. The purpose of this doctoral capstone experience within the VA healthcare system was to create and implement both group-based and individualized sensory programming for veterans with dementia and to educate staff members on the best use of sensory materials and techniques to improve veteran engagement. The occupational therapy student developed structured and unstructured, themed group protocols and coordinated with recreational therapy staff to plan individual sessions based on the veterans' reported leisure interests. Two veterans with dementia,one veteran with Alzheimer's disease, one veteran with Parkinson's-related dementia, and one veteran with vascular dementia were offered sensory sessions between two and five times per week for 15-30 minutes. Veterans were more likely to be very engaged when the session was client-centered and focused on a topic meaningful to them. Staff received education regarding theoretical background, session planning and documentation, and implementing sensory interventions to increase likelihood of continued veteran engagement and sensory stimulation following the student's departure.

Creator

• Gramman, Rachel M.

Contributors

• Fogo, Jennifer

Publisher

• University of Indianapolis

Language

• en

Identifier

• Gramman.R.OTD.2019.pdf

Keyword

• Occupational Therapy

Date created

• 5/1/2019

Resource type

• Dissertation

Source

• S26

Rights statement

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/