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MENTAL HEALTH IN ASSISTED LIVING: KEY STAKEHOLDER PERSPECTIVES FROM FORMAL AND INFORMAL CAREGIVERS
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

MENTAL HEALTH IN ASSISTED LIVING: KEY STAKEHOLDER PERSPECTIVES FROM FORMAL AND INFORMAL CAREGIVERS

K Marx, D L Scerpella, N Duffort, L N Gitlin and Q M Samus
Innovation in aging, v 2(Suppl 1), pp 425-425
11 Nov 2018
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igy023.1592
url
https://academic.oup.com/innovateage/article-pdf/2/suppl_1/425/26477862/igy023.1592.pdfView
Published, Version of Record (VoR) Open
url
https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igy023.1592View
Published, Version of Record (VoR) Open

Abstract

Abstracts
The purpose of this paper is to examine mental health issues of residents of Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) using data from key stakeholders including direct care staff, family, facility administrators and members from advocacy and policy groups. Six focus (n=57) groups were held and the four stakeholder groups identified depression, anxiety and many of the neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia (i.e. aggression, paranoia, agitation) as behaviors of most concern. To address these concerns the groups universally identified several key areas of focus: (1) better communication between ALF staff, treating health care providers, residents and families, (2) person-centered care principles and respect of resident personhood and individuality, (3) improved ALF staff training and training opportunities, (4) judicious use of psychotropic medications, and (5) better management of co-morbid medical problems. Finding ways to act on these five focus areas may improve mental health care quality for residents and improve staff burnout and turnover.

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