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ABSTRACT
The purpose of this article is to introduce the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) Model as a framework to improve dementia care in nursing homes and provide examples from literature that can be framed within the model. The interaction between the person, environment, and occupation is described to promote participation and provide quality care for residents with dementia. The PEO model can be used by occupational therapy practitioners to develop innovative approaches to dementia care and improve quality of life.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After reading this article, you should be able to:
1. List the components of the PEO Model
2. Differentiate the relationships within the PEO Model
3. Identify the different components that consist of the person, environment, and occupation
4. Identify strategies for engaging nursing home residents with dementia within the PEO Model
CASE EXAMPLE
The charge nurse on the nursing home unit entered the dining room at lunchtime and observed Mrs. Jones sitting at her table, but she was not eating. The food on her plate had not been touched. Mrs. Jones had previously been able to eat independently after food was set up in front of her, although she required additional time to do so. After observing Mrs. Jones for a few minutes, the charge nurse approached the certified nursing assistant (CNA) and asked about Mrs. Jones's status. The CNA stated that this pattern of behavior had been occurring for a few weeks. The CNA and other CNAs had tried to feed her, but Mrs. Jones would get agitated, start yelling, and try to hit the staff. The CNA went on to describe that this behavior disrupted the other residents trying to eat in the dining room. In response to the escalation of behaviors, the CNA reported that they had stopped trying to feed her and left her alone. Concerned about Mrs. Jones' risk for weight loss, an occupational therapy screen was requested.
On observing Mrs. Jones in the dining room, the occupational therapist (OT) noticed that she was sitting at a table with a white tablecloth, and her food included mashed potatoes, cauliflower, and diced chicken served on a white plate. When observing Mrs. Jones and the CNA staff, the OT also noticed that the staff positioned themselves to either Mrs. Jones'...