Why are people that are diagnosed with the 7th leading cause of death in the United States, Alzheimer’s, not being cared for the way they should be cared for? Serenity HealthCARE wanted to find a way where the resident with Alzheimer’s could have a better quality of life (“QoL”), all while living with a debilitating disease. This idea formed the basis of a research study that revealed a direct correlation between the quality of life for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Serenity HealthCARE is one of the few behavioral health care providers that has conducted this type of research with proven results.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a silent killer that gradually destroys a person’s memory, ability to learn, communicate, and the ability to carry out daily activities. As AD progresses, individuals can experience other weakening side affects including anxiety, irritation, and possible hallucinations. AD patients experience side affects that ultimately impact their QoL, which is defined as being in a state of complete physical, mental and social well being.
The question that lingered throughout this research study was whether an implementation of a training model for caregivers positively impacts the QoL of older adults who have been diagnosed with AD and reside in a nursing home. To test this question, a training model was designed to promote a positive change in the caregiver as well as increase the knowledge of the caregiver and the clinical application of care to the resident with dementia. The model was separated into three sections which lasted over the course of two months.
1. A curriculum designed specifically in educating caregivers about AD;
2. Caregivers were evaluated by assessment tools which measured their knowledge before and after the educational intervention and the residents were measured by a survey questionnaire which was quantitatively measured by numerical descriptions;
3. Standard operating procedures (SOP) designed to implement and maintain changes which have occurred as a result of the curriculum.
Once the research was completed and analyzed, the team determined that the QoL for AD residents was increased and directly related to the caregiver and resident relationship. This study also proved that the previously assumed notion that individuals with AD were not able to rate their own quality of life was incorrect, as these individuals were able to rate their own quality of life well into the progression of the disease.
The resident’s QoL is more than the resident participating in activities; rather it is being in a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. This study emphasized that if the caregiver has specialized training for the care of AD patients, then the overall QoL for both the resident and the caregiver will increase. Additionally, the caregiver will be more knowledgeable about the clinical care for AD patients. Having engaged and educated caregivers will provide individuals with AD better care, thus a better life.
Serenity HealthCARE provides professional dementia care and behavioral health services to meet the needs of residents progressing through the Alzheimer’s disease process. Serenity HealthCARE will continue to educate and train caregivers to counteract the effect of declining skills and to improve the individual’s quality of life. This research, in conjunction with current industry research, will help make better connections to residents who have AD, resulting in a better quality of life for both them and the staff. The company was created for and is committed to the delivery of safe, clinically appropriate care in a person-centered environment focused on improving and enhancing lives through staff education, resident advocacy, and meeting assessed resident psychosocial and spiritual needs through our interactions.