Holistic Occupational Therapy Dining Interventions Supporting Individuals with Dementia

Location

Online - Session 5D

Start Date

4-21-2021 4:10 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 purpose of this project is to provide occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) with a holistic toolkit to enhance the dining experience of individuals in each stage of dementia in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Dementia often disrupts participation in daily occupations, including the dining experience. Eating is one of the last functional and meaningful occupations individuals with dementia (IwD) enjoy before becoming dependent in daily activities. The dining experience provides daily opportunities for sensory and social engagement. OT services in SNFs are disproportionately focused on therapeutic exercise, (Rafeedie et al., 2018) and OTPs commonly focus interventions on the motor aspects of self-feeding and modifications to the physical environment to support dining. OTPs can maximize their impact by utilizing holistic dining interventions. This project includes the development and implementation of three main elements to guide the practice of OTPs in addressing dining for IwD in SNFs: Firstly, a toolkit of evidence-based interventions addressing the environment and social context, psychosocial factors, and performance patterns for individuals at each stage of dementia; secondly, an interactive virtual training module to educate OTPs on the use of effective holistic dining interventions; and thirdly, a manual that summarizes current evidence informing the toolkit. The training module and toolkit will be available to OTPs through partnering facilities and on the Dominican University of California website. Data on the effectiveness of this project will be collected through a post-survey that measures the number of people trained, participant self-report of integration of the toolkit into practice, and participant perception of the practicality of the toolkit. This project empowers OTs to address a gap in OT practice by incorporating holistic dining interventions. This includes creating a context that supports social interaction and feeding performance, promotes the autonomy of each individual, and incorporates life long routines and rituals into the dining experience.

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Apr 21st, 4:10 PM

Holistic Occupational Therapy Dining Interventions Supporting Individuals with Dementia

Online - Session 5D

The purpose of this project is to provide occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) with a holistic toolkit to enhance the dining experience of individuals in each stage of dementia in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Dementia often disrupts participation in daily occupations, including the dining experience. Eating is one of the last functional and meaningful occupations individuals with dementia (IwD) enjoy before becoming dependent in daily activities. The dining experience provides daily opportunities for sensory and social engagement. OT services in SNFs are disproportionately focused on therapeutic exercise, (Rafeedie et al., 2018) and OTPs commonly focus interventions on the motor aspects of self-feeding and modifications to the physical environment to support dining. OTPs can maximize their impact by utilizing holistic dining interventions. This project includes the development and implementation of three main elements to guide the practice of OTPs in addressing dining for IwD in SNFs: Firstly, a toolkit of evidence-based interventions addressing the environment and social context, psychosocial factors, and performance patterns for individuals at each stage of dementia; secondly, an interactive virtual training module to educate OTPs on the use of effective holistic dining interventions; and thirdly, a manual that summarizes current evidence informing the toolkit. The training module and toolkit will be available to OTPs through partnering facilities and on the Dominican University of California website. Data on the effectiveness of this project will be collected through a post-survey that measures the number of people trained, participant self-report of integration of the toolkit into practice, and participant perception of the practicality of the toolkit. This project empowers OTs to address a gap in OT practice by incorporating holistic dining interventions. This includes creating a context that supports social interaction and feeding performance, promotes the autonomy of each individual, and incorporates life long routines and rituals into the dining experience.