Prototype Checklist for Nonpharmacologic Strategies in Nursing Home Dementia Care

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recommend that nursing homes use nonpharmacologic approaches as the first-line treatment for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). However, nursing homes face significant challenges in implementing nonpharmacologic strategies, from identifying the underlying cause of BPSD to selecting the most appropriate nonpharmacologic strategy. An effective strategy must be aligned with each resident's unique symptoms, capabilities, and preferences, but it must be done with limited staff and resources in a complex care environment.