By Natasha S. Bryant
Researchers compared data from an “experimental” nursing home that had adopted person-centered care comprehensively with data from 2 control homes, which had adopted person-centered care partially. Here’s their findings.
Comprehensive adoption of person-centered care and the household model can enhance interactions between nursing home residents and their care partners, improve residents’ dining experience, and reduce residents’ depressive symptoms.
These are the main findings from a 2017 study by the LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston. The findings are detailed in a new research snapshot called Documenting the Benefits of Comprehensive Culture Change.
LTSS Center researchers conducted their study at the Francis E. Parker Memorial Home, a LeadingAge member in Piscataway, NJ. Parker funded the study.
Major Findings
The LTSS Center study took place in 3 nursing homes and involved more than 100 residents, 180 aides, and 54 nurses. The study employed a mix of research methods, including:
- Direct observation of residents and care partners by research assistants from Rutgers University,
- Administration of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) to residents who were able, and
- Evaluation of residents’ health records.
Researchers compared data from an “experimental home” that had adopted person-centered care comprehensively with data from 2 control homes, which had adopted person-centered care partially. They found that residents of the experimental home:
- Received a greater level of person-centered care,
- Spent less time idle,
- Spent more time interacting with staff,
- Were more active and engaged in the dining area,
- Had fewer depressive symptoms, and
- Were prescribed fewer antipsychotic medications.
For More Information
Read the research snapshot to learn more about the study findings and its conclusions, including the benefits of comprehensive adoption of person-centered care and the household model, and areas for improvement.