Virtual Visitation: Promoting Social Occupations in Dementia Care

Location

Online - Session 4D

Start Date

4-21-2021 2:50 PM

Major Field of Study

Occupational Therapy

Student Type

Graduate

Faculty Mentor(s)

Gina Tucker-Roghi, OTD, OTR/L, BCG

Presentation Format

Oral Presentation

Abstract/Description

The Supported Family Visit through Reminiscence (SFVR) is an occupation-based intervention that will improve the quality of life for persons living with dementia (PLwD) in skilled nursing facilities (SNF) through the promotion of social occupation. The occupation of social participation includes interactions with family, friends, peers and the community (AOTA, 2020). The utilization of reminiscence therapies (Moon & Park, 2020) and the increased participation of familiar relations (Walmsley & McCormack, 2017) are effective in mitigating the impact of loneliness and sensory deprivation among PLwD, resulting in improved QoL. COVID-19 visitation restrictions and geographical distance present additional barriers. Virtual platforms in conjunction with reminiscence therapies hold promise, and are largely unexplored at this time, but allows for streamlined access to photos, music, storytelling, and face-to-face interactions. Twenty OTs will be trained to pilot the SFVR intervention with residents living with early-stage dementia or mild cognitive impairment at an Ensign affiliated SNF. After project implementation, a survey will be given to participating occupational therapists to measure feasibility and effectiveness of the SFVR intervention. A visitor satisfaction survey will be shared with the OTs implementing the program to distribute to participating family members, which will measure the impact of the SFVR intervention on the quality of the visit with SNF residents. This project is designed to function as a tool to facilitate virtual visits for person’s living with dementia to engage in social occupations. As the facilitation of social occupations falls into the purview of occupational therapy, OTs are in a unique position to help guide practice. By examining the impact dementia has on individuals living in SNFs, as well as the family and friends engaging with them, OTs can use their specific skills and knowledge to create effective interventions that support social occupations.

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Apr 21st, 2:50 PM

Virtual Visitation: Promoting Social Occupations in Dementia Care

Online - Session 4D

The Supported Family Visit through Reminiscence (SFVR) is an occupation-based intervention that will improve the quality of life for persons living with dementia (PLwD) in skilled nursing facilities (SNF) through the promotion of social occupation. The occupation of social participation includes interactions with family, friends, peers and the community (AOTA, 2020). The utilization of reminiscence therapies (Moon & Park, 2020) and the increased participation of familiar relations (Walmsley & McCormack, 2017) are effective in mitigating the impact of loneliness and sensory deprivation among PLwD, resulting in improved QoL. COVID-19 visitation restrictions and geographical distance present additional barriers. Virtual platforms in conjunction with reminiscence therapies hold promise, and are largely unexplored at this time, but allows for streamlined access to photos, music, storytelling, and face-to-face interactions. Twenty OTs will be trained to pilot the SFVR intervention with residents living with early-stage dementia or mild cognitive impairment at an Ensign affiliated SNF. After project implementation, a survey will be given to participating occupational therapists to measure feasibility and effectiveness of the SFVR intervention. A visitor satisfaction survey will be shared with the OTs implementing the program to distribute to participating family members, which will measure the impact of the SFVR intervention on the quality of the visit with SNF residents. This project is designed to function as a tool to facilitate virtual visits for person’s living with dementia to engage in social occupations. As the facilitation of social occupations falls into the purview of occupational therapy, OTs are in a unique position to help guide practice. By examining the impact dementia has on individuals living in SNFs, as well as the family and friends engaging with them, OTs can use their specific skills and knowledge to create effective interventions that support social occupations.