The Investigation of Preferred Learning Styles of Persons Living with Dementia

Summary of Research:

Dr. Debra Stewart

Understanding and gaining cooperation during personal care of a resident with dementia can be difficult especially when there are language barriers and cognitive deficits concerning comprehension of object and situation. When a caregiver such as certified nursing assistance attempts to help a resident with activities of daily living (ADLs), it can be difficult and time-consuming to accomplish even the simplest task because of the patient’s understanding of the process and the resistive behaviors that are often a result of confusion.

The learning styles inventory is an evaluative tool used by the participants in the study who are certified nursing assistants to establish the preferred learning styles of patients in their care. The study revealed important information concerning the determination of the preferred learning styles of persons with dementia. The research provided critical data in determining if ADLs, when designed around the learning styles, have a greater acceptance rate with fewer resistive behaviors. Also, the study was an essential addition to research concerning understanding a patient’s learning styles and presenting care based on that information to promote greater patient acceptance and nursing unit productivity.

Depending on the nursing assistant’s training the nursing assistant may use the same techniques of engagement for every resident in their care. The one-size-fits-all approach may not be appropriate for every resident and be a less than productive use of nursing assistants’ time. The research examined if knowing the preferred learning styles of persons living with dementia resulted in greater cooperation and unit productivity.

Biography:

Dr. Debra Stewart has completed her Ph.D. from the University of the Rockies and has worked in long-term care for over 25 years. She is an Advisory Board member for both the Mental Health Technology Program and the College for Lifelong Learning at Sinclair and is also a certified Vital Life Community Consultant through THW Design. She also serves as an online academic distant learning specialist for Hondros School of Nursing. Debra is a pre-approved instructor for NCCAP. Dr. Stewart’s most recent research titled Caregivers’ Attitudes and Beliefs about Pain Medication Administration was published in ProQuest.

Presenting author details
Full name: Dr. Debra Stewart
Twitter account: https://twitter.com/DebraSt36044546
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