Cited by 33Dementia and Cognitive Impairment ResearchOccupational Therapy Practice and ResearchRecreation, Leisure, Wilderness Management

Practice guidelines for recreation therapy in the care of people with dementia (CE)

Open access
Buettner, Linda, Kolanowski, Ann·2003·Geriatric Nursing

Abstract

Activity is a basic human need expressed in work and leisure pursuits. Unfortunately, people with dementia have a low rate of activity participation because of associated physical and cognitive constraints. Recently, the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) held a consensus meeting to address this issue and formulate practice guidelines for recreation therapy in the care of people with dementia. The consensus document presents an evidence-based intervention theory that draws on the science of two disciplines: nursing and recreation therapy. This article reports on the ATRA guidelines and illustrates their applicability in a case study of a resident with severe aggression associated with dementia.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1067/mgn.2003.19

Cites

19 of 19 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

9 of 24 cited sources checked · 6 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    The specific intervention theory that resulted from the consensus meeting combined the Need-Driven Dementia-Compromised Behavior Model (NDB) and the Neurodevelopmental Sequencing Program (NDSP).

    “The specific intervention theory that resulted from the consensus meeting combined the Need-Driven Dementia-Compromised Behavior Model (NDB) 10 and the Neurodevelopmental Sequencing Program (NDSP).11”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [10] Algase, 1996, Need-driven dementia-compromised behavior. An alternative view of disruptive behavior, Am J Alzheimer Dis source
    • cites [11] Buettner, 1988, Utilizing developmental theory and adaptive equipment with regressed geriatric patients in therapeutic recreation, Ther Recreational J
  • Premisecitation

    Dementia-related behaviors arise in part because of an unmet need.

    “The model asserts that such behaviors arise in part because of an unmet need.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [10] Algase, 1996, Need-driven dementia-compromised behavior. An alternative view of disruptive behavior, Am J Alzheimer Dis source
  • Premisecitation

    The NDB model has challenged the prevalent view that dementia-related behaviors are simply part of the disease process.

    “The NDB model has challenged the prevalent view that dementia-related behaviors are simply part of the disease process.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [10] Algase, 1996, Need-driven dementia-compromised behavior. An alternative view of disruptive behavior, Am J Alzheimer Dis source
  • Premisecitation

    In the NDB model, relatively stable individual characteristics (background factors) interact with current situational variables (proximal factors) to produce dementia-related behaviors.

    “In the NDB model, relatively stable individual characteristics (background factors) interact with current situational variables (proximal factors) to produce dementia-related behaviors (Figure 1).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [10] Algase, 1996, Need-driven dementia-compromised behavior. An alternative view of disruptive behavior, Am J Alzheimer Dis source
  • Premisecitation

    Proximal factors in the NDB model induce a need state and precipitate dementia-related behaviors, given the context of risk-producing background factors.

    “Proximal factors in the NDB model induce a need state and precipitate dementia-related behaviors, given the context of risk-producing background factors.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [10] Algase, 1996, Need-driven dementia-compromised behavior. An alternative view of disruptive behavior, Am J Alzheimer Dis source

      The framework discussion (page unavailable) describes background factors as relevant to risk profiles and says proximal factors are likely to precipitate need-driven dementia-compromised behaviors. It treats changing needs and states as proximal factors, but does not say that proximal factors induce a need state; the claim also states as certain what the paper describes as likely. (LLM, conf=0.83)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 26
  • May combine two claims. 16
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 2
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The NDB model identifies and describes the causal processes through which interventions are expected to produce desired outcomes.

    “It also identifies and describes the causal processes through which interventions are expected to produce desired outcomes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [10] Algase, 1996, Need-driven dementia-compromised behavior. An alternative view of disruptive behavior, Am J Alzheimer Dis source

      The Introduction describes how needs and background and proximal factors may give rise to dementia-compromised behaviors. Applications to practice and research uses those proposed relationships to suggest interventions, such as increasing social interaction to modify wandering. The paper does not establish the causal processes by which those interventions produce desired outcomes; it says the framework needs validation and recommends examining intervention effects. (LLM, conf=0.79)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Background factors identify people at risk for dementia-related behaviors and provide a profile of strengths and weaknesses.

    “Background factors identify people at risk for dementia-related behaviors and provide a profile of strengths and weaknesses.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [10] Algase, 1996, Need-driven dementia-compromised behavior. An alternative view of disruptive behavior, Am J Alzheimer Dis source
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisereasoning

    Behaviors are seen as the most integrated and meaningful response a person with dementia can make at that time.

    “Behaviors are seen as the most integrated and meaningful response a person with dementia can make at that time.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [10] Algase, 1996, Need-driven dementia-compromised behavior. An alternative view of disruptive behavior, Am J Alzheimer Dis source
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The NDB model is a middle-range theory that describes dementia-related behaviors and illustrates the processes that produce them.

    “The NDB model is a middle-range theory that describes dementia-related behaviors and illustrates the processes that produce them.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [10] Algase, 1996, Need-driven dementia-compromised behavior. An alternative view of disruptive behavior, Am J Alzheimer Dis source

      The Introduction describes the NDB model as a framework for understanding wandering, vocalization, and aggression, and explains these behaviors through needs and interacting background and proximal factors. The paper calls it a conceptual framework, but our copy does not identify it as a middle-range theory. (LLM, conf=0.82)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    After admission to the special care unit, Mr. L. resisted and was aggressive toward staff members who provided hands-on care.

    “After admission to the special care unit, Mr. L. resisted and was aggressive toward any staff members who provided hands-on care.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingreasoning

    Despite multiple pharmacologic interventions, Mr. L.'s physical aggression eventually required hospitalization at a crisis center for 2 weeks.

    “Despite multiple pharmacologic interventions, his physical aggression eventually required hospitalization at the nearby crisis center.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Mr. L. physically assaulted staff who attempted to touch him or go near him.

    “He physically assaulted staff who attempted to touch him or go near him.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Mr. L. demonstrated a tendency toward tactile defensiveness, with aggression most notable when staff made attempts to provide personal care.

    “He demonstrated a tendency toward tactile defensiveness (his aggression was most notable when staff made attempts to provide personal care).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    After the recreation therapy program, Mr. L. needed much less medication to control his behavior; his only medications were trazodone, 25 mg q HS, and lorazepam, .50mg BID.

    “Other outcomes indicated that Mr. L. needed much less medication to control his behavior.After the recreation therapy program, his only medications were trazodone, 25 mg q HS, and lorazepam, .50mg BID.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Mr. L. was a 72-year-old widowed World War II Navy veteran admitted to a special care unit because of Alzheimer disease and severe aggressive behaviors.

    “Mr. L. was a 72-year-old, widowed World War II Navy veteran who was admitted to a special care unit because of Alzheimer disease (AD) and severe aggressive behaviors.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    During personal care, Mr. L. continued to resist at times, but his occurrences of aggressiveness decreased to fewer than one time per day.

    “During personal care, he continued to resist at times, but his occurrences of aggressiveness decreased to fewer than one time per day.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingnone given

    Mr. L. was not eating an adequate diet and lost 10 pounds in a 3-week period.

    “He lost 10 pounds in a 3-week period.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Mr. L. refused to get out of bed and could not be bathed, dressed, or toileted.

    “He refused to get out of bed; could not be bathed, dressed, or toileted; and was not eating an adequate diet.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Mr. L. usually slept until 10:30 AM, mainly as a result of a heavy psychoactive drug regimen.

    “He usually slept until 10:30 AM, mainly as a result of a heavy psychoactive drug regimen.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    With fewer sedatives, Mr. L. began getting up at breakfast time and joining other residents in the dining room.

    “With fewer sedatives, he began getting up at breakfast time and joining other residents in the dining room.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Mr. L. became aggressive when staff tried to arouse him for morning care.

    “He also became aggressive when staff tried to arouse him for morning care.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Despite his severe dementia, Mr. L. recognized his recreation therapist and approached and greeted her when she entered the special care unit.

    “Despite his severe dementia, Mr. L. obviously recognized his recreation therapist.When the therapist entered the special care unit, Mr. L. approached and greeted her.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Mr. L. was extremely difficult to redirect when wandering.

    “He was extremely difficult to redirect when wandering.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    By using the stimulation box, Mr. L. demonstrated good fine-motor skills and was encouraged by nursing staff to feed himself finger foods and then to use utensils in the dining room; staff no longer fed him by the end of the 12-week recreation therapy intervention.

    “By using the stimulation box, he demonstrated that he had good fine-motor skills and was encouraged by nursing staff to feed himself finger foods and then to use utensils in the dining room.Staff no longer fed Mr. L. by the end of the 12week recreation therapy intervention.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Mr. L. required an additional 6 weeks of recreation therapy for a total of 12 weeks.

    “He required an additional 6 weeks of recreation therapy for a total of 12 weeks.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Mr. L. gradually began to show trust in the staff, allowing them to shake hands and massage his shoulders while on the air mattress.

    “He gradually began to show trust in the staff, allowing them to shake hands and massage his shoulders while on the air mattress.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Mr. L.'s measures of muscle strength and flexibility were good, and he was able to ambulate fully without assistance.

    “His measures of muscle strength and flexibility were good, and he was able to ambulate fully without assistance.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The NDSP is a practice theory that describes the design of an intervention, the resources needed to deliver it, and implementation procedures.

    “The NDSP is a practice theory that describes the design of an intervention, the resources needed to deliver it, and implementation procedures.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [11] Buettner, 1988, Utilizing developmental theory and adaptive equipment with regressed geriatric patients in therapeutic recreation, Ther Recreational J

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Therapeutic recreation interventions are effective in maintaining function and improving mood and behavior, all indicators of quality of life.

    “Studies indicate that such interventions are effective in maintaining function and improving mood and behavior, all indicators of quality of life. 1”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [1] Opie, 1999, The efficacy of psychosocial approaches to behavior disorders in dementia: a systematic literature review, Aust N Z J Psychiatry source
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Intervention theory allows treatments to be applied in an intelligent rather than trial-and-error approach.

    “Intervention theory allows treatments to be applied in an intelligent rather than trial-and-error approach.8”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [8] Lipsey, 1993, Theory as method: small theories of treatments, New Directions Program Evaluation source
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Chosen interventions match the functional skills of the person with dementia to promote movement and provide success experiences.

    “Chosen interventions match the functional skills of the person with dementia to promote movement and provide success experiences.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    An individual with dementia who wanders, screams, or strikes out is pursuing a goal or trying to express a need.

    “The individual who wanders, screams, or strikes out is pursuing a goal or trying to express a need.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Premisereasoning

    The NDSP was selected as the framework for implementation because of its widespread use in practice and strong research base.

    “It was selected as the framework for implementation because of its widespread use in practice and strong research base.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationnone given

    Mr. L.'s wandering indicated a strong physical need for activity.

    “His wandering indicated a strong physical need for activity.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Background factors, such as cognitive and physical functioning and personality style of interest, are critical in the selection of recreational activities.

    “Background factors, such as cognitive and physical functioning and personality style of interest, are critical in the selection of recreational activities.13”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [13] Kolanowski, 2001, Capturing interests: therapeutic recreation activities for persons with dementia, Ther Recreation J

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The concept of using appropriate recreational activities to decrease dementia-related behaviors stems from the fact that human beings are active, living organisms who derive satisfaction from using their innate abilities.

    “The concept of using appropriate recreational activities to decrease dementia-related behaviors stems from the fact that human beings are active, living organisms who derive satisfaction from using their innate abilities.17”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [17] Butcher, 1984

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisenone given

    The consensus document presents an evidence-based intervention theory that draws on the science of two disciplines: nursing and recreation therapy.

    “The consensus document presents an evidence-based intervention theory that draws on the science of two disciplines: nursing and recreation therapy.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    The ATRA Dementia Practice Guidelines document includes 10 valid and reliable assessment tools, 82 recreation therapy protocols, and the most current evidence supporting those interventions.

    “This document includes 10 valid and reliable assessment tools, 82 recreation therapy protocols, and the most current evidence supporting those interventions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisenone given

    The multidisciplinary guidelines combine a midrange theory from nursing and a practice theory from therapeutic recreation.

    “The multidisciplinary guidelines combine a midrange theory from nursing and a practice theory from therapeutic recreation.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The ATRA Dementia Practice Guidelines provide recreational therapists and others with a consistent framework to follow for assessment, prescription, treatment, and outcome measurement for older adults with dementia and disturbing behaviors.

    “The ATRA Dementia Practice Guidelines 9 provide recreational therapists and others with a consistent framework to follow for assessment, prescription, treatment, and outcome measurement for older adults with dementia and disturbing behaviors.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [9] Buettner L, Fitzsimmons S. Dementia practice guideline for recreational therapy: treatment of disturbing behaviors. ATRA Publications; in press.

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

35 of 35
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Activity is a basic human need expressed in work and leisure pursuits.

    “Activity is a basic human need expressed in work and leisure pursuits.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    An empirically based method for prescribing recreation therapy interventions has not been developed.

    “Unfortunately, an empirically based method for prescribing these interventions has not been developed.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Experts agree that nonpharmacologic interventions should be attempted first.

    “Although experts agree that nonpharmacologic interventions should be attempted first”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Few health care professionals understand the benefit of interventions offered by recreational therapists.

    “few health care professionals understand the benefit of interventions offered by recreational therapists”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The discipline of recreational therapy has advanced no consistent framework for the prescription and implementation of activity interventions.

    “the discipline has advanced no consistent framework for the prescription and implementation of these activity interventions.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Individuals who are able to meet basic needs using their remaining abilities are more likely to experience a state of well-being.

    “The motivation underlying the intervention guidelines was that individuals who are able to meet basic needs using their remaining abilities are more likely to experience a state of well-being.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Therapeutic recreation interventions show great promise as management strategies for dementia-related behaviors.

    “Therapeutic recreation interventions show great promise as management strategies for dementia-related behaviors.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Dementia-related behaviors often result in the removal of residents from traditional activity programs in long-term care settings.

    “Dementia-related behaviors often result in the removal of residents from traditional activity programs in longterm care settings.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Exclusion from meaningful activities often creates a situation in which the resident with dementia generates his or her own often-inappropriate stimulation or becomes isolated and withdrawn.

    “Exclusion from meaningful activities often creates a situation in which the resident with dementia generates his or her own often-inappropriate stimulation or becomes isolated and withdrawn.”
9 of 9

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

1 of the 20 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. Buettner L, Fitzsimmons S. Dementia practice guideline for recreational therapy: treatment of disturbing behaviors. ATRA Publications; in press.

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Buettner, L., & Kolanowski, A.
Affiliations
Pennsylvania State University (US)
Venue
Geriatric Nursing
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2003-01
Volume
24
Issue
1
Pages
18-25
ISSN
0197-4572 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2025595258
Cited by
33
References
20
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2022: 1 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 2 · 2017: 3 · 2015: 2 · 2014: 1 · 2013: 2 · 2012: 3
FWCI
0.82
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Geriatric Nursing (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • NC Digital Online Collection of Knowledge and Scholarship (The University of North Carolina at Greensboro) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Occupational Therapy › Occupational Therapy Practice and Research
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Recreation, Leisure, Wilderness Management
Keywords
therapeutic recreation, dementia, clinical guidelines, activities and participation, dementia care, evidence-based interventions
MeSH terms
Aged, Aggression, Alzheimer Disease, Dementia, Humans, Human Development, Male, Models, Neurological, Recreation, Practice Guidelines as Topic

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