Rehabilitation nursing care for people with advanced dementia at home: a case study

Authors

  • Tiago Alexandre Filipe Branco Atlantic School of Health (ESSATLA)
  • Vera Basílio Algarve Local Health Unit
  • Sandy Silva Pedro Severino Atlantic School of Health (ESSATLA)
  • Nelson Guerra Atlantic School of Health (ESSATLA)
  • Luís Manuel Mota de Sousa Atlantic School of Health (ESSATLA)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30681/2526101014078

Keywords:

Muscle Spasticity, Muscle Stiffness, Equinus Deformity, Rehabilitation Nursing, Case Reports

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the clinical findings of a functional motor rehabilitation program in an individual with advanced dementia, in a home care setting. Method: a clinical case report conducted between May 21 and June 13, 2025. Data collection included family-directed anamnesis, review of clinical records, and the application of standardized assessment instruments, namely goniometry, the Modified Ashworth Scale, and the Algoplus Pain Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, comparing pre- and post-intervention values. The care plan was structured based on the International Classification for Nursing Practice and Nursing Ontology, with a total duration of three weeks, comprising two rehabilitation nursing sessions per week, with intervals of 3 to 4 days between sessions. Results: an increase in joint range of motion between 5° and 40° was observed, along with a reduction of 1 to 2 levels on the Modified Ashworth Scale, absence of equinus foot, and a reduction of 3 points on the Algoplus Pain Scale. Improvement in the family caregiver’s ability to provide care was also noted. Conclusion: the findings suggest the effectiveness of this care plan in advanced dementia, highlighting the role of Rehabilitation Nursing in promoting functionality, comfort, and dignity within home-based care.

Author Biographies

  • Tiago Alexandre Filipe Branco, Atlantic School of Health (ESSATLA)

    Nurse. Master's student in Rehabilitation Nursing at the Atlantic School of Health (ESSATLA). Nurse in Internal Medicine Department, Algarve Local Health Unit. Faro, Faro, Portugal. Email: tiagoafbranco@hotmail.com

  • Vera Basílio, Algarve Local Health Unit

    Nurse. Specialist in Rehabilitation Nursing.Nurse Specialist in Rehabilitation Nursing at the Community Care Unit, Algarve Local Health Unit. Olhão, Faro, Portugal.

  • Sandy Silva Pedro Severino , Atlantic School of Health (ESSATLA)

    Nurse. Specialist in Rehabilitation Nursing. Master's in Healthcare Management. Researcher at the Nursing Research Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon  (CIDNUR). Assistant Professor at the Atlantic School of Health (ESSATLA). Barcarena, Lisbon, Portugal.

  • Nelson Guerra, Atlantic School of Health (ESSATLA)

    Nurse. Specialist in Rehabilitation Nursing. PhD in Nursing. Researcher at RISE – Health Research Network. Invited Coordinating Professor at the Atlantic School of Health (ESSATLA). Barcarena, Lisbon, Portugal.

  • Luís Manuel Mota de Sousa, Atlantic School of Health (ESSATLA)

    Nurse. Specialist in Rehabilitation Nursing. PhD in Nursing. Researcher at Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CRHC). Coordinating Professor at the Atlantic School of Health (ESSATLA). Barcarena, Lisbon, Portugal.

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Published

2025-12-01

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 2 (2025): Julho-Dezembro (In Progress)

Section

Artigo Original/ Original Article/ Artículo Originale

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How to Cite

Branco, T., Basílio, V., Severino, S., Guerra, N., & Sousa, L. (2025). Rehabilitation nursing care for people with advanced dementia at home: a case study. Journal Health NPEPS, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.30681/2526101014078