Book review: Dementia Practice Guidelines for Treating Disturbing Behaviors

Abstract

Reviews the book 'Dementia Practice Guidelines for Treating Disturbing Behaviors,' (2003) by Linda Buettner and Suzanne Fitzsimmons. The disturbing behaviors associated with dementia are a significant problem for older adults, their families, and their caregivers. This document provides a long overdue systematic approach that will help recreational therapists treat these disturbing behaviors. The authors' focus on the importance of including the best available evidence when formatting treatment decisions distinguishes this text from previous approaches to treatment in recreational therapy. The section on recreational therapy outlines the 10 steps in treating disturbing behaviors, referencing them with appendix materials such as behavior checklists, physician order forms, and evaluation materials. The life work of two researchers, this volume demonstrates a groundbreaking contribution not just to the therapeutic recreation profession but also to healthcare in general. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)