Preventing Loss of Independence Through Exercise (PLIÉ): A Novel Program to Improve Care of Older Veterans in Long-Term Care

At San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System (SFVA) Community Living Center (CLC), most veterans have dementia plus co-occurring mental illness. Many demonstrate distressed behavior that interferes with care. CLC restorative care and mental health staff identified the need to improve engagement of veterans with dementia or behavioral challenges, and improve care partner training. Along with researchers at SFVA, they implemented PLIÉ, a novel integrative group exercise program for people with dementia.