HUMANIZATION OF CARE IN A DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY HOSPITAL: IMPLEMENTATION AND OUTCOMES

Hospitalization represents a critical phase for people living with dementia, often exacerbating cognitive and behavioural symptoms due to environmental stressors, lack of staff training, and fragmented care. The concept of a Dementia-Friendly Hospital aims to address these challenges by adapting hospital environments and care practices to the needs of these patients. This thesis discusses the implementation of the Dementia-Friendly Hospital model at the Ospedale Civile di Baggiovara (Modena, Italy), with the aim of promoting humanization of care for people living with dementia. Through an interdisciplinary, person-centred integrated approach, the project sought to provide tailored care to the specific cognitive, emotional, and relational needs of patients affected by dementia, with a particular focus on minimizing distress, reducing behavioural symptoms, and supporting autonomy. The non-pharmacological interventions included environmental modifications and the training of healthcare professionals, caregivers and volunteers. It also reinforced integration with territorial services to ensure continuity of care. Strategies were aligned with the Dementia-Friendly principles developed in the UK, and focused on reducing the psychological and physical burden of hospitalization for a vulnerable population. Outcomes demonstrated a reduction in the use of restraints and sedative medication, prevention of delirium, improved management of behavioural symptoms, shorter hospital stays and a general enhancement of patients’ quality of life. These findings support the relevance and feasibility of Dementia-Friendly strategies within hospital settings, highlighting the need for systemic change and cultural transformation in healthcare environments in response to the global rise of dementia.