Evaluating interventions for people with severe dementia: using the Positive Response Schedule

Research has shown how understanding of the subjective experience of dement ia can improve care practice and increase therapeutic possibilities (Kitwoo d, 1997). It has also highlighted the need for better ways to assess the we llbeing of people with dementia, particularly those with severe dementia. I n response, Perrin (1997) devised the Positive Response Schedule for Severe Dementia (PRS). The PRS is used in this study to assess the impact of shor t, individualized interventions on the wellbeing of two older adults diagno sed as having severe dementia. The effectiveness of the interventions is ev aluated and the potential utility of the PRS discussed.