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Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia and their management in care homes within the East of England: a postal survey
- Authors:
- BACKHOUSE Tamara, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 18(2), 2014, pp.187-193.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This study aims to determine the prevalence of antipsychotic use in care homes. It explores which behaviours care home staff can find difficult to manage and which non-pharmacological interventions are currently used within care homes to help cope with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. A postal survey sent to all care homes registered as specialising in the care of older people or/and older people with dementia within four counties in the East of England (n = 747). Questionnaires were returned from 299 care home managers (40%). The vast majority (n = 200, 73%) reported having at least one resident with an antipsychotic prescription in their home. Twelve percent (n = 1027) of care home residents were reported to be prescribed antipsychotic medications. Aggression was most frequently reported, by 37% (n = 109) of care home managers, as a difficult behaviour to manage. Non-pharmacological interventions were reported to be used in 87% (n = 253) of care homes. The interventions most commonly used in care homes to manage difficult behaviours were reminiscence (75%, n = 219) and music therapy (73%, n = 213). Despite measures to reduce antipsychotic use for all people with dementia in England, it was found that 12% of care home residents were still prescribed antipsychotic medication. Around half of all care home managers reported they had experienced behaviours they found difficult. Antipsychotic medications and a variety of non-pharmacological interventions appear to be used concurrently in many care homes. (Edited publisher abstract)