Six employees are in the process of taking training in the approach to care that reduces the use of psychotropic medication by employing creative interventions. As well, Susan Towns, supportive measures specialist, has initiated a close study of two residents to determine what’s contributing to their onsets of agitation. Agitation can be a symptom of dementia and Alzheimer disease.

Through the use of 24-hour profiling, which tracks a resident’s mood on an hourly basis for seven days, employees are being able to pinpoint times of the day when a resident is most agitated. With this information, employees can hopefully then identify the triggers, Susan explains.

The idea is “to pinpoint what is going on with them,” Susan says, and determine whether the cause of anxiety is related to emotional or medical reasons. That helps staff identify whether “it’s something we can treat with one-on-one staff (interaction) as opposed to putting them on medication.”

“We’re really trying to steer away from the sedations.”

Fifteen employees at the Norwood long-term care have either completed training or are currently being educated in the care technique.

Recently, Pleasant Meadow moved its dining room for residents who require assistance with meals to the main dining room. This move, which is making mealtime easier for staff, is also having a positive impact on residents, Susan says.

While the food remains hotter because it isn’t being carted to another room, it’s also a better atmosphere for residents, says Susan. “They don’t feel as segregated,” she says. Susan says she has also noticed residents are quieter during mealtime. The move was initiated by supportive measures trainees.