Executive Director, Scripps Gerontology Center
Q: You’ve recently highlighted the feasibility of Individualized Positive Psychosocial Interactions in a series of studies. How can they help nursing home patients with dementia?
A: An IPPI is approached with the intent of having a positive interaction. That’s the first goal. The second piece is about engaging over a preference. If I know your favorite music or if I know you love gardening, then I know that I could talk to you about something that brings you some joy and meaning. Part of the training is around emotional regulation and good communication skills for people living with dementia. And the thing that I like most is that these skills are transferable. Good care for people living with dementia is good care for everyone.
Q: These are quick but intentional interactions. How do they work?
A: The staff member approaches the person, greets them and asks the person how they’re feeling. Then they start. We have more than 60 different activities. There’s snack time, going to bed, sing-along, interacting with pets, reading the newspaper, cooking, exercise, hunting. During these interactions, they’re using the senses, and many of them have multiple sensory opportunities. And then after the activity, after about 10 minutes, they thank them, ask them for their feedback and assess how they’re feeling. They do this twice a week at a minimum.
Q: What have you learned about staff’s willingness to use IPPIs and residents’ response?
A: We asked staff if this was feasible and they all said, overwhelmingly, yes. This was an opportunity for them to do what most direct care workers want most, which is to spend time providing comfort and meaning and calm for folks. 98% said this was a meaningful use of their time. And the same percentage of the residents wanted to do the activity again.
From the october 2024 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
