Falls with dementia residents in long-term facilities have been a main concern. With all the proper fall prevention in place and no environmental factors exist, falls still occur. Head injuries, hip dislocations, fractures, wounds, and death can be related to incidence of falls with this population. These injuries decrease the quality of life in dementia patients. Agitation is found to be the dominate cause of falls in dementia patients. Research has shown that music therapy reduced to reduce falls in this population by reducing agitation.
Recommendations
Several studies have been evaluating music therapy on dementia patients. Studies have concluded that the use of music has shown a significant reduction of falls with dementia patients by decreasing agitation and creating a relaxed atmosphere. It has been recommended that music be played during peek agitation hours for that particular patient. This can be done by observing the patient and documenting when and how agitation starts. Once this process has been well documented, implementing music therapy should be done. Combined recommendations have shown that the iPod conceived the greatest results. If iPods are not readily available or too costly, then considerations of mini radios with head phones would be an ideal replacement.
Implementation …show more content…
Developing an educational plan will be based on how the change will occur, using peek time associated with agitation, how to monitor the outcome, and documentation. It is imperative that the staff have the proper training for this practice. It should also be noted to have the police written as a reference guide for the staff members, whether it be hardcopy or on the company’s website, that is easily assessable. A mentor should be available if questions should arise. Once the staff has been educated, initiation of music therapy can