<p> Anxiety and behavior disturbances are a significant problem for geriatric residents living in a facility. Currently treatment for these symptoms is pharmacological. While medications are necessary in some cases, significant uncomfortable side effects can result. The availability of effective treatments that are non-pharmacological allows nurses to offer an alternative option for these symptoms. The purpose of this project was to investigate animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and the effects this therapy has on anxiety and behavioral symptoms for geriatric patients living in a facility. A four week study was conducted with adult subjects age 55-85 who were diagnosed with anxiety or behavior symptoms and live in a facility. A dog was utilized for the therapy. Evidence suggests the effectiveness of AAT for a multitude of disease states and medical conditions. Use of ATT in this study revealed several behavioral changes for individual participants.</p>

<p>Abstract The increased prevalence of cognitive deterioration has increased the challenges of caring for older adults. This study?s project site offers a psychiatric program for older adults with customized care for complex geriatric mental health patients. Clinical assessment and care management are often overlooked in geriatric mental health patients diagnosed with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). The purpose of this project was to deliver an education program developed from the Staff Training in Assisted Living Residences-Veterans Administration, P.I.E.C.E.S ? model and the Castle framework to 42 nursing and allied health staff of the project site. The project question explored whether an education program on care of patients with BPSD increased staff members? perceived knowledge and competence in providing care to these patients. This education program focused on comprehensive assessment, individualized care planning, and individualized nonpharmacological interventions to manage older adults with dementia. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze performance outcomes data before and after staff education. In addition, care plans of patients were reviewed. Results included a 100% increase in recognition of core concepts of the education program; a 48% to 86% increase in staff willingness to use interdisciplinary care plans; and a 6.6% to 95% increase in documentation of key interventions in care plans for 6 behaviors of dementia. The results of this project might bring about social change by improving the skills and competence of nursing staff in managing the patients with dementia, thus positively impacting the quality of life of patients with BPSD by benefiting from nonpharmacological interventions.

<p> Depression among the elderly is a significant concern due to the limited evidence-based treatment options and its overall global burden. Walking activity as a form of physical activity serves as an evidence-based intervention in addressing the issue of depression among the elderly. The depression level among elderly patients was examined (n = 17, Mage = 68.71, SD = 3.04) before walking activity using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) &ndash; 15 questionnaire version. Thirty minutes of a bi-weekly walking activity was implemented for eight weeks followed by the depression level measured using the GDS-15. There were statistically significant differences across the variables before walking activity (Mbefore = 7.71, Sbefore = 1.53) and after walking activity (Mafter = 6.59, Safter = 1.58, P = .00) determined through the utilization of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. The finding supports the consistent usage of walking activity in reducing the symptoms of depression consequently decreasing mortality and morbidity rate, reducing healthcare expenditure as well as addressing the overall depression related public health concerns. </p><p>