Preventing the Unnecessary Use of Psychotropic Medications in Dementia Patients with Accentuation of Caregiver Training in Long-Term Care

Abstract

Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Dementia is a widely misunderstood concept especially in geriatric patients with dementia. The challenge that most healthcare practitioners face when it comes to the care of geriatric patients with dementia is how to effectively address these behaviors with individualized interventions that utilize non-pharmacologic methods rather than utilizing psychotropic medications. The use of psychoactive medications significantly impact the quality of life of dementia patients due to their side effect profiles and the increased risk for death while on these medications. This practice inquiry project aimed to determine the effectiveness of a modified Geriatric Mental Health Training Series (GMHTS) program in a long-term care facility to determine its effectiveness in assisting facility staff to more effectively assess and address the causes of behavior problems in patients with dementia from a non-pharmacological standpoint.