The Alzheimer’s Association (2018) offers healthcare administrators and practitioners a set of recommendations for dementia care. These evidence-based practice guidelines and protocols are designed to improve overall standards and quality of care, and also to help standardize and regulate care across the healthcare spectrum. The patient population targeted in the Alzheimer’s Association (2018) dementia care practice recommendations includes all individuals with dementia, and includes input from a wide range of research areas and areas of specialization within gerontology. Furthermore, the care guidelines are written in accordance with evidence published in associated peer-reviewed journals like The Gerontologist. For example, Hirschman & Hodgson (2018) found seven evidence-based interventions that are specifically designed to promote best practices including education, communication, and inter-professional team building. The Alzheimer’s Association (2018) guidelines use criteria related to these and similar care objectives, focusing on factors like care transition, long-term care goals, workforce implications, informational and psychosocial supports for family, ongoing communications and advocacy, and also public policy development.

Not just in my opinion but based on the substantive links to peer-reviewed research throughout the practice guidelines available through the organization, there is a strong link between the growing body of empirical evidence and the practice recommendations published by the Alzheimer’s Association (2018). These guidelines are updated regularly to reflect new research. Moreover, the Alzheimer’s Association guidelines are clear, written in straightforward language that is accessible to caregivers and professionals. The guidelines comprise multiple domains of care and implications for public policy and healthcare administration. In fact, the Alzheimer’s Association (2018) also includes tools and suggestions for implementation, avoiding biases that might cloud professional, administrative, and clinical judgment.

References

Alzheimer’s Association (2018). Dementia care practice recommendations. https://www.alz.org/professionals/professional-providers/dementia_care_practice_recommendations

Hirschman, K.B. & Hodgson, N.A. (2018). Evidence-based interventions for transitions in care for individuals living with dementia. The Gerontologist 58(1): 129-140