Abstract

Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia increase as Alzheimer's disease and related dementias progress; these symptoms occur in as many as 80% of persons with dementia living in nursing homes. Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, also known as dementia-compromised behaviors, are a source of stress for nursing home staff, family members, and other residents and adversely affect the quality of life and safety of residents. Ethnonursing, a qualitative research method, was used to examine the relationship between licensed vocational nurses' responses to dementia-compromised behaviors, documentation, and perceptions of dementia care. Data analysis resulted in three overarching themes related to the licensed vocational nurse caring for persons with dementia residing in the nursing home who exhibit dementia-compromised behavior: (a) the resident with dementia; (b) the licensed vocational nurse; and (c) documentation of dementia-related behaviors. Licensed vocational nurses provided safe and effective care to persons with dementia residing in nursing homes. However, results of this study supported findings from previous research; while the licensed vocational nurses translated theory into practice, knowledge and practice were inconsistent in their documentation.

Date of publication

Fall 12-17-2013

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

english

Persistent identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/10950/184

Included in

Nursing Commons

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