An evaluation of a Family Visit Education Program

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to examine the impact of the Family Vis it Education Program (FVEP) on family members, nursing staff; and nursing h ome residents with dementia. DESIGN: The study employed a 2 X 3 single-blind, randomized control group d esign with two study conditions, FVEP or usual care (UC), and three times o f measurement, baseline, 3-months, and 6-months. SETTING: The study was conducted in five skilled-care nursing homes that ra nged in size from 120 to 300 beds. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-six residents with dementia and their primary visitor w ere randomly assigned to FVEP (n = 32) or UC (n = 34). MEASUREMENTS: Residents were assessed for (1) psychosocial functioning, (2) depression, (3) agitated behavior, and (4) degree of positive social inter action. Nursing staff were assessed for changes in the time and methods use d to manage problem behaviors. Visitors were assessed for (1) dementia mana gement skills, (2) extent of perceived caregiving hassles, and (3) visit sa tisfaction. RESULTS: FVEP was effective for reducing residents' problem behaviors and f or decreasing their symptoms of depression and irritability. It was also ef fective for improving the way family members and other visitors communicate d with residents, but, with the exception of reducing the use of mechanical restraints, it was not effective in changing nurses' management of residen ts' behavior problems. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to educate family members to communicate and in teract more effectively with nursing home residents with dementia. This has beneficial effects on residents but not on nursing staff's management of p roblem behaviors.