How to mobilise patients with dementia to a standing position

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine which intervention used to assist people with dementia from sitting to a standing position was the most effective approach to aid movement. METHOD: Focus groups were held with care and therapy staff working in dementia settings to find out the difficulties they encountered when helping someone with dementia to a standing position, and the interventions to overcome these difficulties. Suggested interventions were substantiated against the literature and efficacy of intervention attempts was recorded in a diary. Participants also completed a post-intervention questionnaire to establish their views on how results should be used. RESULTS: Appropriate interventions led to a positive outcome for participants as they were able to assist people with the minimum of fuss and complexity, and for patients because they received the care they required. No single intervention emerged as being particularly effective and other factors must be considered when interpreting the results. CONCLUSION: Participants agreed that interventions should be included in patient handling training programmes.