by Zahida Siddiqi
Simply increasing staffing hours in nursing homes may not be enough to significantly improve care quality for residents with dementia, according to a recent study published in the journal Health Services Research. The study, conducted by experts from UC-Irvine, UCLA, and the University of Chicago, suggests that reducing turnover, providing specialized training to workers, and creating easy-to-navigate environments are key factors in improving dementia care.
Lead author Dana Mukamel, a professor of medicine at UC-Irvine, emphasized that while staffing hours per resident-day may have an impact on outcomes for dementia facilities, increasing staff alone is unlikely to be a solution. The study, which examined more than 15,000 nursing homes nationwide, found that differences in outcomes between low- and high-dementia facilities persisted even at the same staffing levels, indicating that additional measures beyond staffing are necessary to close the gaps in care.
More than 40% of nursing home residents are estimated to have Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias, or cognitive impairment. The researchers stress the importance of employing staff trained in effective techniques, promoting consistency and predictability among staff, and considering the unique needs of residents with dementia in nursing home care. The study also highlighted the impact of staffing on outcomes such as residents’ performance of daily activities, emergency room visits, and incidents of pressure sores.
Overall, the findings suggest a need for a comprehensive approach to improve dementia care in nursing homes, going beyond simply increasing staffing hours. The study’s recommendations point to the importance of considering the specific needs of residents with dementia and implementing targeted strategies to enhance care quality.
