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Capstone Abstract
Problem: Older adults (OAs) with dementia living in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) often experience social isolation, decreased physical activity, and communication difficulties resulting in poor health outcomes, decreased care, and behavior problems.
Focus: This project aimed to improve dementia care for OAs living in LTCFs through (1) increasing cognition, lower extremity (LE) strength, and decreasing depressive symptoms, (2) increasing the quality and quantity of therapy interventions for more productive sessions, and (3) improving feasibility and applicability of communication strategies for LTCF staff.
Rationale: Social isolation in OAs can negatively impact overall health and well-being. Additionally, ineffective communication has contributed to caregiver burden, as well as reduced quality of life for OAs with dementia.
Methodology: Recruitment and implementation of a six-week high-intensity functional (HIFE) exercise program, creation of an Allen Cognitive Level Screening (ACLS) toolkit as a resource for therapists based on patients’ ACLS scores, and development and distribution of an up-to-date communication resource guide.
Results: Findings showed (1) participation in an exercise program showed improved cognition, LE strength, and depressive symptoms, (2) a complete ACLS toolkit, with therapists enthusiastic, and (3) staff’s increased knowledge, perceived confidence and understanding, and willingness to implement new strategies.
Significance: Engagement in HIFE for OAs with dementia showed psychosocial and physical health benefits and should be regularly implemented. Creation of an ACLS toolkit allowed staff more intervention options. Access to new communication strategies was generally accepted by staff and training should be mandated.
Publication Date
Fall 2025
Student Contact
Mobile phone: 614-619-1515
Recommended Citation
Kapral, Sydney, "Empowering Dementia Care Through Occupational Therapy: Promoting Function and Daily Participation" (2025). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 20.
https://www.exhibit.xavier.edu/ot_capstone/20
