Behavioral observations and quality of life among persons with dementia in 10 assisted living facilities

Abstract

This study examined the quality of life of 131 persons with dementia living in 10 assisted living facilities in a Midwestern state, using the observational method known as Dementia Care Mapping (DCM). Trained observers collected detailed information on the types of interactions and activities taking place among residents and staff on a given day. Key differences were noted between residents living in small, dementia-specific sites(10 to 28 residents) and those living in large sites that were not dementia-specific (40 to 63 residents). The latter group fared better overall with respect to quality of life and diversity of interactions and activities. Additional methods of examining quality of life among persons with dementia will be helpful to explain these differences.