Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Breann Lamborn

Second Advisor

Nicole Harris

Keywords

Aged; Assisted Living Facilities; Caregivers -- education; Dementia; Occupational Therapy -- education; Occupational Therapy -- methods; Wyoming

Abstract

It is estimated that approximately 40-71% of residents living within assisted living facilities (ALFs) have a form of dementia or other cognitive impairment (Harris- Kojetin et al., 2016; Zimmerman, Sloana, & Reed, 2014). There is also evidence that suggests that caregivers working within ALFs have inadequate knowledge on how to care for a resident diagnosed with dementia (Hughes, Bagley, Reilly, Burns, & Challis, 2008; McKenzie, Teri, Pike, LaFazia, & Van Leynseele, 2012; Sharpp, Kayser-Jones, & Young, 2012; Zimmerman et al., 2014). The authors of this scholarly project created an instructional manual that can be used to train caregivers within ALFs to address the current gap in their knowledge. Methodology: The authors used the information gained from the literature review, information gathered through collaboration with faculty at the University of North Dakota’s Occupational Therapy Program, and information gathered after researching topics related to dementia to create the product. Product: The instructional manual was created using Knowles Andragogy Adult Learning Model (Knowles, Holton, & Swanson, 2012). The introduction to the manual includes information on how to apply the adult learning model throughout the educational sessions. The educational materials include three 2-hour PowerPoint slide shows that include information on what dementia is, how dementia impacts a resident’s life, an overview of the Cognitive Disabilities Reconsidered Model (CDRM) by Levy and Burns (2011), and different strategies the caregivers can use at each level of the CDRM to better care for residents diagnosed with dementia.

The manual also includes an evaluation of learners’ knowledge by using a pre-test and post-test design. Finally, a small handout was created that contains important concepts that were discussed in the instructional materials so the learners can reference the information later if needed. It is intended for the instructional manual to be utilized by an occupational therapist who understands how to apply the adult learning theory and has adequate knowledge with the CDRM. The education material can be used to meet the continuing educational requirements within the state of Wyoming for ALF caregivers.

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