Effectiveness of Expanded Implementation of STAR-VA for Managing Dementia-Related Behaviors Among Veterans

Abstract

This evaluation supports the feasibility and effectiveness of STAR-VA, an interdisciplinary, behavioral intervention for managing challenging behaviors among residents with dementia in CLCs.

Implementation and evaluation of an education programme for nursing staff on recognising, reporting and managing resident‐to‐resident elder mistreatment in aged care facilities

“…Therefore, interventions through educational programmes may help nursing staff recognise and manage R‐REM in aged care facilities. Some studies have shown that it may be possible to assist nursing staff dealing with R‐REM in aged care facilities by implementing educational programmes (Irvine et al., , ; Karel et al., ). Thus, this clinical trial may facilitate nursing staff to understand that it is possible to manage R‐REM in aged care facilities.…”

“…This indicates the need to develop educational programmes to assist staff engaged in the management of R‐REM in aged care facilities. Importantly, previous studies have shown that R‐REM could be reduced by educational programmes for nursing staff (Irvine, Bourgeois, Billow, & Seeley, ; Irvine et al., ; Karel, Teri, & McConnell, ; Narevic et al., ; Richardson, Kitchen, & Livingston, ; Teresi et al., ).…”

“…This indicates the need to develop educational programmes to assist staff engaged in the management of R-REM in aged care facilities. Importantly, previous studies have shown that R-REM could be reduced by educational programmes for nursing staff (Irvine, Bourgeois, Billow, & Seeley, 2007;Irvine et al, 2012;Karel, Teri, & McConnell, 2016;Narevic et al, 2011;Richardson, Kitchen, & Livingston, 2002;Teresi et al, 2013). Therefore, educational programmmes for nursing staff may have the potential to improve the quality of care and life of older people living in aged care facilities, and assisting staff to reduce R-REM (Ellis et al, 2014;Rosen et al, 2016;Teresi et al, 2013).…”

Agitation and Irritability in Alzheimer’s Disease: Evidenced-Based Treatments and the Black-Box Warning

“…Staedtler and Nunez undertook a systematic review of studies examining non-pharmacological approaches, and found that they were generally safe and effective, had the potential to decrease agitation and improve patient outcomes, and appeared to improve overall caregiver satisfaction [28]. Such approaches, however, can be challenging to implement, even in long-term care settings [29], with barriers to use including limited time, lack of education regarding their efficacy, poor staff to resident ratios (in long-term care settings), and difficult-to-modify physical environments [28]. …”

“…Embracing similar principles, the U.S. Veterans Health Administration has, in recent years, implemented the “Staff Training in Assisted Living Residences” or “STAR-VA” program, an interdisciplinary behavioral approach for managing challenging dementia-related behaviors in VA nursing homes [29], as well as the “Tailored Activity Program - Veterans Administration” or “TAP-VA” for managing dementia-related behaviors in the outpatient setting [30]. Both programs have been designed to improve the quality of life of veterans with dementia and reduce the burden on caregivers, with activities and behavioral interventions tailored to the veteran’s preserved capabilities, and avoiding stimuli and activities that challenge the patient in areas of cognition that are most impaired.…”