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Download Poster (1.6 MB)
Description
For my capstone/ALE, I partnered with the therapy team at CHI St. Joseph Berea’s Swing Bed Program to improve communication and care strategies for patients with dementia or cognitive impairments. My project focused on ACOTE areas of program development, education, and advocacy in an acute care setting. The goal was to implement dementia-friendly communication practices and promote meaningful engagement through activity toolboxes.The Swing Bed Program supports patients recovering from acute hospital stays who are not yet ready to return home. During my time there, I observed a lack of structured, personalized activities for patients, despite regulatory expectations for enrichment. My literature review highlighted best practices for dementia care and informed the development of a staff-wide needs assessment. Results showed gaps in cognitive assessment use, low staff confidence, and a desire for training in dementia care.Based on findings, I created a training module including simulated scenarios and clinical reasoning tools to guide learning. Clinicians reported feeling more confident in communicating with patients with dementia after participating. Additional deliverables included a cost-effective activity toolbox proposal, “All About Me” patient visuals, and a presentation for stakeholders advocating long-term implementation.This experience enhanced my leadership and advocacy skills as I collaborated across departments, led education initiatives, and promoted the role of OT in dementia care. My project identified gaps in care, empowered clinicians with practical tools, and emphasized the value of patient-centered practices in acute care. Ultimately, it deepened my understanding of OT’s role in advocating for vulnerable populations across the continuum of care.
Graduation Date
2025
Keywords
Dementia, Swing Bed Program, Acute Care, Older Adults, Communication Strategies, Advocacy, Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Care Training
Disciplines
Occupational Therapy
Degree Type
Open Access Capstone
Document Type
Poster
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Department
Occupational Therapy
Site Mentor
Kori Becknell MS, OTR/L
Comments
Link to video presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g6RPwO8loE