Introduction
Dementia is detrimental to socialization and personal growth and development among patients since it impairs brain functions. Although dementia is not a specific disease, it is a group of conditions associated with at least brain malfunctions. The condition is common among people of ages 85 and above. Non-pharmacological interventions involve the management of dementia without medications as opposed to pharmacological ones. Unlike, pharmacological dementia management, the non-pharmacological approach help reduces pain without risks associated with drug administration. Therefore, a policy that encourages non-pharmacological dementia management is crucial for nursing homes.
Dementia-Related Behaviors
Coping with dementia can be challenging the disorder is associated with behavioral changes that are detrimental to socialization. While the victims fear the loss of their memory and thinking skills, they are also apprehensive about losing who they are. Consequently, rapid behavioral changes are exhibited during the different stages of the disorder. Some of the common behaviors associated with dementia are the repetition of questions and activities over and over again, fidgeting and restlessness, sleep disturbance, and loss of self-confidence, among others (Marazziti et al., 2021). The associated behaviors interfere with routine social interactions. Behavioral changes in victims call for non-pharmacological interventions. For instance, sensory stimulation, emotional support, and psychosocial mediation can help reduce fidgeting and anti-social behaviors (Sousa et al., 2021). Therefore, a policy that supports non-pharmacological interventions for dementia and its related behaviors is crucial.
Policy Description
A non-pharmacological intervention for dementia is significant for caregivers and individuals suffering from the condition. The proposed policy involves specific actions to be taken by various stakeholders when treating and managing dementia. Additionally, the policy will set guidelines on how the patients should be engaged during the non-pharmacological intervention. The policy will allow the patients, individuals of ages 85 and above, to be actively involved during the management of their conditions. Consequently, they will help caregivers in decision-making and feedback provision. Meanwhile, nursing homes will have the sole authority to act in the interests of patients. Therefore, the policy intends to more actively involve old patients in the treatment and management of dementia.
Specific Legislators Involved in Policy Development
The government plays a significant role in the development and dissemination of a given policy. The proposed policy for non-pharmacological dementia intervention will involve legislators who are more concerned with health care. Therefore, the policymakers involved in the development of the policy are those who are part of the U.S. Senate committee on health, labor, and pensions. The selected legislators have sufficient knowledge of the health concerns of people suffering from various disorders. Additionally, legislators who work in the health, labor, and pension committee can easily convince the Senate and Congress to legislate the policy.
Role of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
APRNs are crucial in policy adoption by nursing homes since they interact with patients on daily basis. The APRNs will help in developing the policy in two significant ways. The APRNs will be involved in comparing the advantages of pharmacological and non-pharmacological dementia interventions. The nurses will provide their expert knowledge on which of the two interventions is better. Additionally, they can give feedback on the importance of integrating the policy among nursing homes. Furthermore, APRNs will be actively involved in implementing non-pharmacological approaches to dementia and its related behaviors. Consequently, an integrative healthcare approach can be adopted for information exchange and identification of the best treatment plan. Therefore, APRNs will support the policy by providing recommendations before formulation and feedback during implementation.
Policy Influence on Clinical Practice
Medical organizations ought to operate in the interests of their patients by promoting the best outcomes. Non-pharmacological medical interventions spare nursing homes extra costs of purchasing drugs and treating complications caused by some medicines (Varkonyi-Sepp et al., 2022). The policy will influence clinical practice by encouraging mechanisms that promote social interactions between patients and medical practitioners. Nurses and other caregivers will need to create a cordial relationship with dementia patients to establish their unique needs.
Policy Use by Interprofessional Teams
An interprofessional approach to various medical interventions is beneficial for patients and nursing homes. Non-pharmacological approach to dementia needs coordination among therapists, sociologists, and nurses, among others (Sousa et al., 2021). The stakeholders can work as a team to identify various patients’ needs for a comprehensive care plan. For instance, while the therapists will identify activities that will help dementia patients, the APRNs can be involved in ensuring that the care plan is effectively executed. Therefore, the policy will determine the roles of an interprofessional team in coordinating and executing a care plan.
Conclusion
While the pharmacological medical approach utilizes drugs in treating patients, the non-pharmacological follows other non-medical interventions. Dementia is associated with antisocial and other behaviors that are detrimental to victims. The disorder makes it difficult for the patients to understand themselves and effectively interact with others. Treating dementia patients, especially those of 85 years and above, using drugs can lead to medical complications. Therefore, a policy that promotes non-medical approaches is crucial. The policy will define the roles of various stakeholders in managing dementia among patients with 85 years and above. Interprofessional coordination for effective dementia management can be promoted through a non-pharmacological approach.
References
Marazziti, D., Avella, M. T., Ivaldi, T., Palermo, S., Massa, L., Vecchia, A. D., Basile, L., & Mucci, F. (2021). Neuroenhancement: State of the art and future perspectives. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 18(3), 137–169. Web.
Sousa, L., Neves, M. J., Moura, B., Schneider, J., & Fernandes, L. (2021). Music‐based interventions for people living with dementia, targeting behavioral and psychological symptoms: A scoping review. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 36(11), 1664-1690. Web.
Varkonyi-Sepp, J., Freeman, A., Ainsworth, B., Kadalayil, L. P., Haitchi, H. M., & Kurukulaaratchy, R. J. (2022). Multimorbidity in difficult asthma: The need for personalised and non-pharmacological approaches to address a difficult breathing syndrome. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 12(9), 1435. Web.