No Quick Fix

To begin with, we can state that this is not a simple quick fix. This is about persistent and sustained development work with regular follow-up.

Many care homes find it challenging to introduce and, above all, maintain non-pharmacological interventions. A new systematic review, commented on by SBU, shows that a holistic strategy is required, where staff, management, and relatives collaborate. Here are five concrete areas to work on.

Person-centered care with sensory-stimulating and psychosocial interventions such as music, massage, and meaningful activities helps reduce the need for psychotropic drugs. This also reduces the risk of falls and other medication side effects.

The SBU research review has compiled 24 qualitative studies and identified crucial factors for successful implementation. Here are the most important points to focus on.

Invest in Continuous Training – Not Just Once

An introduction day is not enough. Staff need ongoing training about BPSD, person-centered care, and the specific interventions. The training should also include practical exercises.

The research review shows that relatives also need knowledge about the interventions – this facilitates cooperation and creates understanding of the working methods.

Get to Know the Person Behind the Disease

Research shows a strong correlation that implementation is facilitated when the staff know the resident’s personality, life history, wishes, and interests. This is the very core of person-centered care.

Set aside time for reflection and documentation so that this knowledge is not lost during staff changes.

Strengthen Communication and Collaboration

Good communication within the staff group and between staff and relatives is crucial. This includes everything from reporting and planning to creating a culture where people talk with each other – not about each other.

Also consider linguistic and cultural aspects when communicating with the resident.

Staffing and Leadership Matter

High staff turnover and lack of time are two of the biggest obstacles. But it’s not just about the number of hands – it’s about competent and experienced colleagues.

Management must be present and actively support the development work. Committed leadership that prioritizes the issue and creates space for it in everyday work is a decisive factor for success.

Use the BPSD Register as a Tool

In Sweden, we have a unique resource in the BPSD register. By systematically following up on symptoms and interventions for individual people – and for the care home as a whole – a learning process is created that facilitates both the introduction and maintenance of new working methods.

The register helps you see what actually works.

Think Holistically, Not in Isolated Measures
Research shows that you cannot just pick individual interventions at random and expect them to work. It’s about changing an entire approach.

But with the right combination of knowledge, time, leadership, and collaboration, it is entirely possible to create care that truly prevents suffering and increases quality of life for people with dementia.

Reflection Questions – Evidence-Based Care
Care staff
- In what ways can you contribute to improving the care in your unit?
- How would you start the development work if you could decide?

Manager, Nurse, Occupational Therapist, and Physiotherapist
- What can you as a management team do to make care more evidence-based?
- What would you prioritize as the first action?

Residents and Relatives
- Do the staff in your unit work well based on this research?
- Do you feel that the staff actively work to get to know and understand the resident?

Erland Olsson
Specialist Nurse
Sofrosyne – Better Care Every Day