The current study examined RNs' practical experiences in managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and delirium superimposed on dementia (DSD) in long-term care hospitals. In-depth, one-on-one interviews were conducted with 18 RNs-including charge nurses, head nurses, and general staff-at two long-term care hospitals. Nurses reported significant challenges in distinguishing and managing BPSD and/or DSD due to limited symptom-specific knowledge, overlapping clinical presentations in older adults, and resource constraints. Despite these barriers, they actively applied practical strategies to interpret symptoms and initiate appropriate interventions. Findings highlight the need for targeted education and structured clinical support to strengthen nurses' capacity to differentiate and manage BPSD and DSD. Enhancing institutional systems and interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to improving dementia care in long-term care hospitals.

To evaluate the effects of a 6-week cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) intervention delivered via a WeChat Mini Program on sleep quality and cognitive function among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and insomnia. Sixty older adults were recruited from February 2023 to June 2023, 30 older adults in the experimental group received a 6-week intervention based on the WeChat Mini Program, whereas those in the control group received 6 weeks of online sleep health education. Primary outcomes included sleep quality and cognitive function, and secondary outcomes were sleep hygiene, anxiety, and self-efficacy. Significant improvements were observed in sleep quality, cognitive function, sleep hygiene, anxiety, and self-efficacy in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < .05). In addition, findings showed significant enhancements in these areas before and after the intervention within the experimental group (p < .05). Results indicate that the WeChat Mini Program-based CBT-I intervention effectively improved sleep quality and cognitive function, enhanced knowledge and habits related to sleep hygiene, increased self-efficacy, and reduced anxiety in older adults with MCI and insomnia.

Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, poses complex challenges requiring health care providers to respond with empathy and skill. The current study examined whether a simulation-based dementia education intervention could enhance empathy in health care students. Using embedded mixed methods, one-group quasi-experimental design, empathy levels in 125 pre-licensure nursing and graduate occupational therapy students were measured via the Kiersma-Chen Empathy Scale-Revised (KCES-R) before, immediately after, and 6 weeks post-simulation. In addition, 36 post-debriefing focus groups explored student experiences qualitatively. Findings showed significant empathy score increases across all time points (F[2,124] = 17.02, p < 0.001). Thematic analysis revealed five themes: The Illusion of Empathy, Developing Empathetic Skills, Confronting Uncomfortable Truths, The Eureka Moment: Transformative Realizations, and Empathy and Power Dynamics. Findings suggest that simulation-based dementia experience improves empathy and motivates students to provide better care. Experiential learning is critical to preparing future health care professionals to meet the growing demands of dementia care.

To describe a model of nurse-led age-friendly care in the acute care setting and associated processes and outcomes aligned with the 4Ms Framework. We implemented the Supporting Older Adults at Risk Model-a novel model of care that includes primary care geriatric nurse practitioner co-management and AGS CoCare®:HELP-and used descriptive statistics to evaluate outcomes aligned with each of the 4Ms: What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility. Advance care planning conversations were documented for 81% of the selected sample, resulting in subsequent family meetings and goal-concordant care. Beers Criteria® and anticholinergic medications were identified and reduced. Mobility goals were identified for 100% of the selected sample and mobility was maintained or improved for 46%. Addressing mentation was done in alignment with What Matters. Nurses are well-positioned to lead age-friendly care and drive optimal outcomes in the acute care setting, especially considering the geriatrician work-force shortage.

Increasing efforts to improve mobility and promote exercise that facilitates healthy aging have generated new opportunities for policymakers and nurses. With the popularity of wearable devices, such as smartwatches, on the rise, governments, health systems, national organizations, and insurance payers are actively engaged in identifying use cases for these devices that help patients manage their conditions in real-world settings; however, less attention has been paid to using wearable devices to prevent the development of risk factors for chronic disease. This is particularly true regarding musculoskeletal (MSK) care, for which a growing number of digital platforms have recently been validated. Numerous pathways for policy reform to support the adoption of wearable devices in everyday living during the preventive phase of MSK disorders have been identified, each of which requires the expertise and engagement of gerontological nurses to shift the focus of aging care from disease management to prevention.

To investigate modifiable environmental work factors impacting long-term care (LTC) workers' mood symptoms. This is a first step in creating interventions that can improve mood symptoms and reduce turnover. This descriptive study used baseline data from a trial within six worksites (N = 112). Through self-reported surveys, mood symptoms were analyzed using the 21-item version of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, and environmental factors, such as job demands, decision authority, job duties, social support, and organizational justice, were measured using the Job Strain Model tool. After controlling for age, organizational justice (β = 0.361, p ≤ 0.001) significantly influenced mood symptoms and explained 15% of the variance in mood symptoms. Organizational justice may reduce mood symptoms in LTC staff. These findings offer managers and researchers insights for potential interventions with this population.