Nursing Home Dementia Care and Memory Support Audit Checklist

Dementia care and memory support audits should be conducted regularly, typically on a quarterly basis. However, more frequent assessments may be necessary if there are significant changes in resident population or new dementia care initiatives implemented.

Key areas include environmental safety and design for dementia residents, staff training on dementia care, behavior management strategies, cognitive stimulation programs, personalized care planning, family involvement and education, and the use of assistive technologies for memory support.

The audit team should include dementia care specialists, geriatric psychiatrists or neurologists, occupational therapists, nursing supervisors, and quality assurance personnel. Input from family members of residents with dementia can also provide valuable insights.

Audit results can be used to enhance staff training on dementia care techniques, improve environmental design to support cognitive function, develop more effective behavior management strategies, implement new cognitive stimulation activities, and strengthen family support and education programs.

Person-centered care is fundamental in dementia care. Audits should assess how well the facility tailors care to individual resident needs, preferences, and life histories. This includes evaluating personalized activity plans, communication strategies, and approaches to managing challenging behaviors that respect the individual's dignity and autonomy.