Evidence‐based occupational therapy for people with dementia and their families: What clinical practice guidelines tell us and implications for practice

Abstract

Occupational therapists working with people with dementia in community settings should ensure that their time is spent on those aspects of intervention that are shown to be effective.

Subjective memory complaints and difficulty performing activities of daily living among older women in Australia

“…A systematic review of such interventions demonstrated the effectiveness of occupational therapy programs that increase independence in ADL and improve quality of life (Laver et al ., ). Effective interventions included those that involved environmental assessment, problem solving strategies, carer education and interactive carer skills training (Laver et al .).…”

“…Dyadic interventions, being multi-component programs that work with the person with dementia and the carer, are also important when there is significant impairment (Laver, Dyer, Whitehead, Clemson & Crotty, 2016). A systematic review of such interventions demonstrated the effectiveness of occupational therapy programs that increase independence in ADL and improve quality of life (Laver et al, 2017). Effective interventions included those that involved environmental assessment, problem solving strategies, carer education and interactive carer skills training (Laver et al).…”

“…Such interventions should not only focus on memory, as memory decline cannot often be averted, but also focus on maintaining function despite ongoing cognitive issues. Cognitive risk factors can be incorporated into the elements of enablement programs found to be effective, such as environmental assessments, carer education and skills training (Laver et al, 2017). Increasing support for both physical and cognitive limitations relating to ADL and IADL may further increase the independence and improved quality of life seen within these programs.…”

Effectiveness of interventions for co‐residing family caregivers of people with dementia: Systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Some categories of components such as education, skills training, counselling and support groups were common and reported in many studies. Consistent with the clinical practice guideline developed for occupational therapists, providing education and skills training assist caregivers to provide assistance to daily living tasks to people with dementia (Laver et al, 2017). Together with appropriate counselling and support, the strategies help to promote the four key outcomes of caregiver burden, depression, health and social support.…”

Life stories support staff and relatives to see, hear and understand people with dementia living in a nursing home as a whole person

“…Currently, Australian occupational therapists are restricted in delivering comprehensive dementia care programs due to both lack of confidence in their knowledge and a lack of awareness of their potential role by other health professionals (Bennett, Shand & Liddle, ). While there is good evidence for structured occupational therapy interventions for people with dementia and their carers living in the community (Laver et al ., ) there is much less research examining occupational therapy in residential care.…”