Date of Award

4-2025

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Elizabeth Strait

Second Advisor

Holly Grieves, OTD, OTRL

Abstract

Many nursing homes and assisted living facilities do not provide their staff with specialized training in dementia care, which can lead to decreased confidence and comfort when working in memory care units (Smythe et al, 2016). This capstone project aimed to enhance dementia care by developing recorded PowerPoint learning modules, handouts, and in-person simulation experiences focused on dementia education. To better understand the needs, preferences, and daily experiences of individuals with dementia, time was spent directly engaging with residents through meaningful activities and personal interactions. These experiences informed the development of the educational materials and ensured they were rooted in real-world understanding. Occupational therapy (OT) plays a key role in geriatric care by facilitating meaningful engagement in daily tasks, teaching adaptive strategies, and supporting caregivers. By integrating OT principles, this project helped bridge the gap between occupational therapy and assisted living facility staff, with the goal of increasing staff knowledge in dementia care, behavior management, communication, and support for activities of daily living.

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