There is an absence of nursing studies that explore interventions to enhance psychological well-being for advanced Alzheimer patients. While sensory stimulation has been identified as a nursing intervention for dementia patients. Few studies reporting the effects of such interventions for patients with late stage dementia are available. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of sensory stimulation activities on the psychological wellbeing of advanced Alzheimer patients. The conceptual model of “the good life” developed by Lawton (1983) provided the framework for this study. A descriptive design with a single group and pre-test post-test repeated measures analysis of variance was used for this study.A convenience sample of 15 patients from three Midwest long-term care facilities was observed for the effects of music. Touch and smell on psychological well-being as measured by the Discomfort Scale for Dementias of the Alzheimer Type (DS-DAT) (Hurley, Volicer, Hanrahan, Houde & Volicer, 1992). The rights of patients were protected at all times, with legal guardians receiving a written explanation of the study. Actual stimulation activities were conducted by Activity Directors or assistants from each facility.Paired t-test analysis of data revealed that DS-DAT scores for all three stimulation activities were significantly lower at <.05 level of significance than baseline DS-DAT scores. Lower DS-DAT scores included more positive affect behaviors and fewer negative affect behavior. A conclusion was drawn that the three sensory stimulation activities increased psychological well-being in the advanced Alzheimer patient sample. This study was significant because findings will support rationale for education of nursing staff in sensory stimulation procedures and provide information on evaluation of intervention outcomes for advanced Alzheimer patients. / School of Nursing
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/184928 |
| Date | January 1994 |
| Creators | Witucki, Janet |
| Contributors | Ball State University. School of Nursing., Twibell, Kathryn R. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | ii, 132 leaves ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
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