APPLICATION OF THE COMMUNICATION ENHANCEMENT MODEL FOR LONG-TERM-CARERESIDENTS WITH ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE

Patterns of caregiver/resident communications in long-term we faciliti es are identified, and potential barriers to communication are highlig hted through application of the Communication Predicament Model. An al ternate model-the Communication Enhancement Model-is presented. This m odel provides a theoretical foundation for developing opportunities an d strategies to enhance communication between caregiver and resident w ith Alzheimer's disease. A case study illustrates the positive applica tions of this model in the long-term care facility. Implications for r esearch, policy, and practice are identified.