Montessori-Based Interventions in the Treatment of Late-Stage Dementia

Identifier

etd-03272015-113238

Degree

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Department

Social Work

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The exclusive evaluation of Montessori-based dementia interventions among persons in late-stage dementia is exceptionally rare. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the I’m Still Here (ISH) Montessori-based program upon the health and well-being of individuals with advanced dementia. This secondary data analysis used a sample of 43 nursing-level residents from a continuing care retirement community located in the southern U.S. Data were collected via observation-based surveys completed by the participants’ primary nurse to measure the following outcomes: quality of life (QoL), psychological well-being (PWB), social engagement, anxiety, activities of daily living (ADLs), and behavioral problems. Demographic data were also collected relating to gender, age, marital status, relationship to caregiver, and health diagnoses. Methods for data collection utilized a quasi-experimental, simple-interrupted time series design, in which data collection occurred at three distinct intervals: baseline, 3- and 6-months post ISH implementation. Findings indicated significant relationships in overall data collection (between intervals 1 and 3) among social engagement, PWB, and ADL functioning. The strongest bivariate correlations were between social engagement and PWB and social engagement and QoL. Results were summarily found to support ISH’s beneficial impact upon the participants’ QoL, anxiety, ADL functioning, and behavioral problems.

Date

2015

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Secure the entire work for patent and/or proprietary purposes for a period of one year. Student has submitted appropriate documentation which states: During this period the copyright owner also agrees not to exercise her/his ownership rights, including public use in works, without prior authorization from LSU. At the end of the one year period, either we or LSU may request an automatic extension for one additional year. At the end of the one year secure period (or its extension, if such is requested), the work will be released for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Wilks, Scott E.

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.776

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