Using Rehabilitation Therapies to Reduce Antipsychotic Use and ED Visits in Individuals With Dementia

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias represent a significant and growing health care burden in the United States. This article describes the implementation of a rehabilitation-driven, interdisciplinary care model and its impact on antipsychotic medication use and emergency department visits among individuals with dementia in skilled nursing facilities. The approach integrates a research-based dementia staging protocol into occupational, physical, and speech therapies to create individualized care plans that leverage preserved function and the development of customized care strategies. These plans are integrated into facility-wide practices through staff training and ongoing monitoring. Data from 3 affiliated skilled nursing facilities demonstrate significant reductions in antipsychotic use and emergency department visit rates following program implementation. The data suggest that a therapy-forward, person-centered care model can meaningfully reduce the risks associated with pharmacologic interventions and acute hospitalizations, offering an effective strategy for improving dementia care outcomes.